
The Modern Scholar
A History of the English Language
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Narrated by:
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Prof. Michael Drout
One of the most interesting aspects of the English language lies in its variants, such as the "soda" vs. "pop" debate and the place of African-American English in modern culture. These and other dialectual curiosities are looked at in detail and placed in the context of today's world. Finally, Professor Drout examines the future, not only of the English language, but of all the world's languages.
Download the accompanying reference guide.©2006 Michael Drout (P)2006 Recorded BooksListeners also enjoyed...




















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a terrific beginning for English and all language
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Great way to understand just a little more on our language as it is, how it was, and perhaps as it will be.
Just when ya thought you knew English...
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
What a fascinating story of the development of language. To hear it read added immensely to my enjoyment. Why does English have so many silent 'e's? Why are there silent 'k's before 'en's?What did you like best about this story?
It explained the language I call my own and gave me an appreciation--or greater appreciation--about the connectivity of humankind.Which scene was your favorite?
Attila the Hun. Who knew he was just a big papabear?A Book Best Listened
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Cape Town
South Africa
new favourite non-fiction author
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A great set of lecture
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Really should be called intro to Linguistics
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I think he might have found a way to work the course without the extended primer on linguistics, but he built on the basics and used them to give better explanations on the development and evolution of language (which are not just applicable to English).
What I did like was when he took the time to give examples of text from Gothic, Old English, and Chaucer's English. It helped demonstrate the developments and alterations being discussed, and gave a point of reference for comparison (since, most of us don't encounter untranslated Old English and Medieval texts on a regular basis, after all). It was a good series, and Drout is a good lecturer (whose course on the Anglo-Saxon world I enjoyed), it just wasn't what I had expected or hoped for.
But for someone new to the topics, and not requiring as much in depth discussion, this is a great introduction with a variety of interesting highlights. (I find professor McWhorter's Great Courses series and published works more in my line and depth of interest.)
Actually 3 hrs on Linguistics before any English
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Great history
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Any additional comments?
Drout is great as always in explaining how the English language has evolved to become the international of today. He is a terrific speaker.Drout excellence
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Hits all the right marks
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