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The English language has changed dramatically over the past 500 years, making it increasingly difficult for students to read Chaucer's works. Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge or familiarity with Middle English, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than modern translation.
Chaucer's Language
- leads the reader gently through basic linguistic concepts with appropriate explanation
- highlights how Chaucer's English differs from present-day English, and the significance of this for interpreting and understanding his work
- provides close analysis and comparison with the writings of Chaucer's contemporaries to show how Chaucer drew on the variety of Middle English to achieve particular poetic effects
- includes sample texts, a glossary of linguistic terminology, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading to aid study.
Authoritative and easy-to-follow, this is an indispensable guide to understanding, appreciating and enjoying the language of Chaucer.
List of contents
Preface
Abbreviations
Why Study Chaucer's Language?
Writing in English
What was Middle English?
Spelling and Pronunciation
Vocabulary
Grammar
Language and Style
Discourse and Pragmatics
ConclusionAppendix: Sample Texts
Glossary of Linguistic Terms
Bibliography
Index.
About the author
SIMON HOROBIN is Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford, UK, and a Fellow of Magdalen College. He is the author of An Introduction to Middle English and The Language of the Chaucer Tradition, which was awarded the English Association's Beatrice White Prize for outstanding scholarly work in the field of Medieval and Renaissance studies.
Summary
The English language has changed dramatically over the past 500 years, making it increasingly difficult for students to read Chaucer's works. Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge or familiarity with Middle English, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than modern translation.
Chaucer's Language
- leads the reader gently through basic linguistic concepts with appropriate explanation
- highlights how Chaucer's English differs from present-day English, and the significance of this for interpreting and understanding his work
- provides close analysis and comparison with the writings of Chaucer's contemporaries to show how Chaucer drew on the variety of Middle English to achieve particular poetic effects
- includes sample texts, a glossary of linguistic terminology, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading to aid study.
Authoritative and easy-to-follow, this is an indispensable guide to understanding, appreciating and enjoying the language of Chaucer.
Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than in a modern translation. This updated edition includes references to most recent scholarship, suggestions for future research and an extensive glossary with sample quotations.
Assumes no prior knowledge of Middle English
One of the few books available devoted exclusively to Chaucer's language
Incorporates the latest research and scholarship, draws on modern linguistic methods
