Language Change and the History of English

Fakultet for humaniora, samfunnsvitenskap og lærerutdanning

This course may be taken as an individual course.

ENG-1014 English in use, ENG-1015 Introduction to English word and sentence structure, ENG-1016 Introduction to English sound patterns

Why was it possible for Keats to write "Now I will return to Fanny - it rains", while we would have to say ... it is raining? Why was it earlier possible to say He can English, whereas now we have to say He can speak English? And why did hound and deer in earlier English refer to dogs and animals in general (as their Norwegian relatives hund and dyr still do), while in present-day English these words refer to specific subtypes of dog and animals? These facts are all due to the workings of language change. In this course we will look at facts such as these and discuss why and how the relevant changes may have taken place Two hours of seminars or lectures per week.

Knowledge and understanding Students will: • learn about some specific changes in the history of English (which ones may vary from semester to semester) • learn about some typical ways in which languages change • learn about some typical causes of language change (to do with social factors, speakers’ needs or the nature of language itself) • gain an understanding of the close relationship between language change and language variation • realize that language change is taking place all the time, in all varieties • learn the terminology that enables them to describe the changes discussed in the course and the causes that lead to such changes Skills/proficiency: • have developed the skill to communicate the knowledge listed above • have improved their language skills

Language of instruction and examination is English

Two hours of seminars or lectures per week. Quality assurance: The subject undergoes a post-evaluation every third year.

Coursework requirements: One oral presentation around mid-semester and one short paper (4-6 pages). Obligatory coursework are evaluated as approved/not approved. Assessment method: 4-hour school exam Performance in the course will be assessed with the grades A-F. Grades are A-E for passed and F for failed. A re-examination is offered in the event of an F-grade. The deadline to register for re-examination is January 15th for the autumn semester and February 15th for the spring semester.

Skriftlig eksamen: 30.11.2010

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.

Skriftlig eksamen