English across time
From the study design
This area of study examines the changes that have occurred in English over time. Students investigate the factors that bring about language change, including those that come from within the language itself, from social transformation, and from contact with other languages. They explore language change across all subsystems, as represented in texts that traverse the history of English.
Students examine the origins of English as a member of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, tracing its development from Old through to Early Modern English and to the establishment of a standard language in the eighteenth century. Students explore the development of Australian English as a distinct national variety, the impact of technological advancement and the possibilities for the future of English.
Students examine the general concept of standardisation and the notion of ‘correct English’. While some language changes are denounced by the wider community, with linguistic change often viewed as indicative of declining standards, others occur without widespread acknowledgement. The role of prescriptivist attitudes in establishing and maintaining standard language is considered in this unit, as are descriptivist approaches to language change. Students develop an understanding that languages will continue to change to meet the needs and reflect the values of their users. They apply their awareness of Australia’s linguistic heritage to consideration of possibilities for the future of English.
This area of study examines the changes that have occurred in English over time. Students investigate the factors that bring about language change, including those that come from within the language itself, from social transformation, and from contact with other languages. They explore language change across all subsystems, as represented in texts that traverse the history of English.
Students examine the origins of English as a member of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, tracing its development from Old through to Early Modern English and to the establishment of a standard language in the eighteenth century. Students explore the development of Australian English as a distinct national variety, the impact of technological advancement and the possibilities for the future of English.
Students examine the general concept of standardisation and the notion of ‘correct English’. While some language changes are denounced by the wider community, with linguistic change often viewed as indicative of declining standards, others occur without widespread acknowledgement. The role of prescriptivist attitudes in establishing and maintaining standard language is considered in this unit, as are descriptivist approaches to language change. Students develop an understanding that languages will continue to change to meet the needs and reflect the values of their users. They apply their awareness of Australia’s linguistic heritage to consideration of possibilities for the future of English.
Activities
Week 1
Activities to complete: Jean Aitchison-Language Change: progress or decay?
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Week 1
Middle English Modern English Melvyn Bragg's The Adventure of English - Episode 1 Melvyn Bragg's The Adventure of English - Episode 2 |