English Fiction and the Evolution of Language, 1850-1914

Explores how Victorian fiction and science imagined the evolution of language, from primordial noise to modern English.

List of contents

Introduction: language under a microscope; 1. The future of language in prophetic fiction; 2. Primitive language in imperial, prehistoric and scientific romances; 3. Organic orality and the historical romance; 4. Instinctive signs: nature and culture in dialogue; Conclusion: widening the lens; Bibliography.

About the author

Will Abberley is a research fellow for the Faculty of English Language and Literature, University of Oxford, exploring concepts of natural mimicry and deception in Victorian literature and the life sciences.

Summary

Will Abberley explores how Victorian fiction and science imagined the evolution of language, providing a new, historical angle on current debates about language evolution and the language of science. Abberley offers fresh perspectives on authors including Thomas Hardy and H. G. Wells, and genres including utopian, historical and science fiction.

Product details

• Authors: Will Abberley, Will (University of Oxford) Abberley
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 21.05.2015
• EAN: 9781107101166
• ISBN: 978-1-107-10116-6
• No. of pages: 247
• Series: Cambridge Studies in Nineteenth-Century Literature & Culture; Cambridge Studies in Nineteenth-Century Literature & Culture
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > History > Regional and national histories