This introductory seminar gives a survey of historical change in
phonology, morphology/syntax and the lexicon across the Old, Middle and
(Early/Late) Modern English periods to the present day as well as of
current geographical and socio-functional variation in the English
language. It thus emphasizes the close relationship between language
change and variation. It introduces the concept of the sociolinguistic
situation with its various parameters and presents language change and
variation as complex processes determined by the interaction of
language-internal forces and extralinguistic factors. It sets the
framework for a more detailed treatment of historical language change
or, alternatively, of contemporary variation of the English language in
the UEs offered in this module. The class will be taught asynchronously.
There will occasionally be voluntary online-meetings for questions and
discussion.
- Kursverantwortliche/r: PD Dr. Florian Schaefer