History of the English Language, 2nd Edition

Overview

Course No. 2250

Explore the rich tapestry of the English language from its Indo-European roots to its status as a global tongue. Professor Seth Lerer of the University of California, San Diego, guides you through the evolution of English, its dialects, and its cultural impact.

Video Lesson List

1. Introduction to the Study of Language

Understand the scope of the course and the methodologies of studying language historically.

32 min

2. The Historical Study of Language

Delve into the technical aspects of historical linguistics and the study of Indo-European origins.

30 min

3. Indo-European and the Prehistory of English

Investigate the Germanic roots of English and the impact of early migrations.

28 min

4. Reconstructing Meaning and Sound

Learn how linguists reconstruct ancient sounds and meanings, focusing on Grimm’s Law.

30 min

5. Medieval Attitudes toward Language

Examine the sociolinguistic changes during the Middle Ages and the status of English versus French.

31 min

6. Chaucer’s English

Appreciate the poetry and prose of Geoffrey Chaucer and the transition from Middle to Early Modern English.

30 min

7. Dialect Representations in Middle English

Study regional dialects in Middle English literature and their impact on the language.

30 min

8. The Great Vowel Shift and Modern English

Understand the Great Vowel Shift and its profound effect on English pronunciation.

31 min

9. The Expanding English Vocabulary

Trace the growth of English vocabulary from the Renaissance to modern times.

30 min

10. Early Modern English Syntax and Grammar

Examine syntax and grammar changes in early modern English, including modal verbs and pronouns.

29 min

11. Renaissance Attitudes toward Teaching English

Explore the role of education in defining the nature of English during the Renaissance.

31 min

12. Samuel Johnson and His Dictionary

Learn about Samuel Johnson’s dictionary and its impact on English lexicography.

30 min

13. New Standards in English

Discover the debates on language usage and standardization in the 18th century.

32 min

14. Dictionaries and Word Histories

Investigate how words change meaning and the politics of dictionary-making.

32 min

15. Values, Words, and Modernity

Study the rhetoric of key American figures and the development of American English.

31 min

16. American Language from Webster to Mencken

Understand the evolution of American English through the works of Noah Webster and H.L. Mencken.

31 min

17. American Rhetoric from Jefferson to Lincoln

Analyze how American rhetoric shaped the language in the works of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.

30 min

18. American Regionalism

Explore the regional dialects of American English and their unique features.

30 min

19. American Dialects in Literature

Look at how literature represents American dialects, using examples from the 19th and 20th centuries.

31 min

20. The Impact of African-American English

Study the grammatical rules and rich literature of African-American English.

33 min

21. An Anglophone World

Understand English as a global language and its regional variations.

32 min

22. The Language of Science

Learn how scientific advancements have influenced English vocabulary and expression.

32 min

23. The Science of Language

Explore Noam Chomsky’s contributions to modern linguistics and its philosophical implications.

30 min

24. Conclusions and Provocations

Review the course’s major themes and reflect on the ongoing adventure of learning about language.

30 min