This basic introduction to Old English is an essential guide for students with little or no linguistic knowledge. Unlike other textbooks on the subject, Beginning Old English focuses on the explanation and demonstration of how the language works, using accessible illustrations from simplified Old English texts and showing how many features of present-day English have their roots in this stage of the language.
Beginning Old English
- builds up reading skills by using simple texts to support the acquisition of key vocabulary and to develop awareness of language structure
- offers an introduction to the conventions of Old English poetry and how they are realised across different genres: religious verse, riddles, elegies and heroic poetry
- explores issues in the translation of Old English verse
- guides the reader through four major texts: Cynewulf and Cyneheard, Beowulf (extract), The Battle of Maldon and The Dream of the Rood
- features activities, glossaries, illustrations and a Further Reading section.
Concise and approachable, this invaluable text will appeal to anyone with an interest in the early history of English language and literature.
'Practical, engaging and full of fresh and exciting strategies for getting students started with reading Old English.' - Chris Jones, University of St Andrews, UK
'Ideal both for undergraduates with minimal linguistic training, and for general readers interested in historical aspects of English. The gentle narrative walks the reader through the forest of grammar and unknots difficult phrasing.' - Haruko Momma, New York University, USA
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Preface
PART I
Origins
Recognising Old English Words
People and Things
Place, Time, Manner and Reason
Actions and Events
Introducing Old English Poetry
Translating Old English Poetry: Beowulf
PART II
Four Old English Texts
Text A: Cynewulf and Cyneheard
Text B: Beowulf, lines 710-836
Text C: The Battle of Maldon
Text D: The Dream of the Rood
Concluding Remarks
Glossary of Technical Terms
Appendix: Old English Paradigms
Further Reading
Index
CAROLE HOUGH is Reader in English Language at the University of Glasgow, UK. She is the author of many articles on Old English and related subjects, and has co-edited New Perspectives on English Historical Linguistics: Vol 2: Lexis and Transmission. She is also editor of the journal Nomina.
JOHN CORBETT is Senior Lecturer in English Language at the University of Glasgow, UK. He is the author of Language and Scottish Literature and An Intercultural Approach to English Language Teaching. He has co-edited The Edinburgh Companion to Scots and Serving Twa Maisters: Five Classic Plays in Scots Translation.
Description
This basic introduction to Old English is an essential guide for students with little or no linguistic knowledge. Unlike other textbooks on the subject, Beginning Old English focuses on the explanation and demonstration of how the language works, using accessible illustrations from simplified Old English texts and showing how many features of present-day English have their roots in this stage of the language.
Beginning Old English
- builds up reading skills by using simple texts to support the acquisition of key vocabulary and to develop awareness of language structure
- offers an introduction to the conventions of Old English poetry and how they are realised across different genres: religious verse, riddles, elegies and heroic poetry
- explores issues in the translation of Old English verse
- guides the reader through four major texts: Cynewulf and Cyneheard, Beowulf (extract), The Battle of Maldon and The Dream of the Rood
- features activities, glossaries, illustrations and a Further Reading section.
Concise and approachable, this invaluable text will appeal to anyone with an interest in the early history of English language and literature.
Reviews
'Practical, engaging and full of fresh and exciting strategies for getting students started with reading Old English.' - Chris Jones, University of St Andrews, UK
'Ideal both for undergraduates with minimal linguistic training, and for general readers interested in historical aspects of English. The gentle narrative walks the reader through the forest of grammar and unknots difficult phrasing.' - Haruko Momma, New York University, USA
Contents
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Preface
PART I
Origins
Recognising Old English Words
People and Things
Place, Time, Manner and Reason
Actions and Events
Introducing Old English Poetry
Translating Old English Poetry: Beowulf
PART II
Four Old English Texts
Text A: Cynewulf and Cyneheard
Text B: Beowulf, lines 710-836
Text C: The Battle of Maldon
Text D: The Dream of the Rood
Concluding Remarks
Glossary of Technical Terms
Appendix: Old English Paradigms
Further Reading
Index
Authors
CAROLE HOUGH is Reader in English Language at the University of Glasgow, UK. She is the author of many articles on Old English and related subjects, and has co-edited New Perspectives on English Historical Linguistics: Vol 2: Lexis and Transmission. She is also editor of the journal Nomina.
JOHN CORBETT is Senior Lecturer in English Language at the University of Glasgow, UK. He is the author of Language and Scottish Literature and An Intercultural Approach to English Language Teaching. He has co-edited The Edinburgh Companion to Scots and Serving Twa Maisters: Five Classic Plays in Scots Translation.
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