Praise for the fifth edition: 'The fifth edition of A History of the English Language will continue to be the standard reference work on the history of English.' Peter Erdmann, Technische University, Berlin, Germany 'Baugh and Cable's classic is still an absolute must for everyone interested in the development of English in its socio-historical context. Revised and updated, this edition continues to provide an engagin biography of a living and dynamic language.' Ishtla Singh, Kings College, London, UK A History of the English Language is a comprehensive exploration of the linguistic and cultural development of English, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Revised and updated, the fifth edition continues to provide students with a balanced and up-to-date overview of the subject. The new edition includes: A revised first chapter, 'English present and future' A new section on gender issues and linguistic change Updated material on African-American vernacular English. Albert C.Baugh was Schelling Memorial Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas Cable is Jane and Roland Blumberg Centennial Professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin.

Table of Contents

Preface. 1. English Present and Future 2. The Indo-European Family of Languages 3. Old English 4. Foreign Influences on Old English 5. The Norman Conquest and the Subjection of English, 1066-1200 6. The Reestablishment of English, 1200-1500 7. Middle English 8.The Renaissance, 1500-1650 9. The Appeal to Authority, 1650-1800 10. The Nineteenth Century and After 11. The English Language in America. Appendix A: Specimens of the Middle English Dialects. Appendix B: English Spelling. Index