Preface

This book on the history of the English language is intended for students of English at universities, pedagogical institutes and institutes of foreign languages.

The book consists of two parts. Part I contains a discussion of some theoretical aspects of language evolution, a short description of the Germanic languages, a preliminary brief survey of the history of English, and a detailed description of the language in the Old English period. Only a sound knowledge of Old English can ensure an understanding of the subsequent development of the language. Part II outlines the development of the English language from the 12th to the 19th c. The description is not based on periods; every part of the language — the sounds, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, as well as the relevant historical conditions — is described separately, through all the periods so as to show their uninterrupted evolution and gradual transition from Old English to Modern English.

The book differs from previous works on the subject in the arrangement and order of presentation of the material, and in the treatment of some historical processes. It is based on the results of recent research in theoretical linguistics and in the history of English.

The book includes supplementary pedagogical material: sets of questions and assignments on the chapters which will enable the student to test his knowledge as he advances and will ensure a more profound understanding of the subjects discussed. A knowledge of the path which the language has followed will enable the student to account for the features of Modern English from a historical point of view, this being essential both for the student and for the would-be teacher of English.

Appended to the book is a graduated reader. It contains specimens of English from different centuries. The Old English texts are supplied with models of analysis, a commentary, partial translation, a glossary and special assignments calling attention to the most important peculiarities of the language. The plan followed in arranging the material is to carry the student's mind gradually forward from easier tasks to more difficult ones. The less difficult texts from later periods are presented according to the same plan and are supplied with the minimum of information required for reading and analysis. For fuller information, especially on the etymology of words, the student can turn to the CONCISE OXFORD DICTIONARY or other dictionaries which provide etymological data. The study of the texts in the Appendix will prepare the student for more extensive reading of English written records published in other readers: such as SPECIMENS OF ENGLISH FROM THE 7TH TO THE 17TH CENTURY compiled by A.I. Smirnitsky, A READER IN EARLY ENGLISH by I.P. Ivflnova, T.M. Belyaeva and THE OLD ENGLISH LANGUAGE complied by L.S. Alexeieva.

The material in the book is subdivided into short paragraphs, so that the discriminating teacher can select items appropriate to the level of particular groups of students.

In conclusion I should like to thank Professor V.Y. Plotkin and Assistant professors L.S. Kuznetscva and M.V. Khvesina who reviewed the text of the book and made many valuable suggestions.

T. A. Rastorguyeva

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