The aim of this book is to explain style in terms which do not presuppose too extensive an acquaintaince on the part of the reader with linguistic terminology. Its orientation is not basically theoretical. It attempts to provide help in a pragmatic way for those who recognize the importance of language in literature, but who do not know where to start or how to exploit the particular knowledge and skills the possess.
Essential study guides for the future linguist. The Language of Literature is a general introduction to the methods and principles behind stylistics. It is suitable for advanced level students and beyond. Written with input from the Cambridge English Corpus, it provides students with an introduction to stylistics with texts from different genres. It takes the approach that the best way to study literary texts is to focus closely on language. Using short activities to help explain analysis methods, this book guides students through major modern issues and concepts. It summarises key concerns and findings, while providing inspiration for language investigations and non-examined assessments (NEAs) with research suggestions.
Language Through Literatureprovides a definitive introduction to the English language through the medium of English literature. Through the use of illustrations from poetry, prose and drama, this book offers a lively guide to important concepts and techniques in English language study. Among the many topics covered in the book are the form and meaning of words, the structure of narrative discourses and the organization of dialogue and conversation. Each chapter explores a specific aspect of the modern English language using a combination of exposition and practical activities. Each chapter also provides points for further discussion and includes project work for use individually, or as part of a group. Readers will find the author's selection and presentation of topics helpful, as Paul Simpson progressively widens the scope of topics from single words to the structure of whole conversations. Language Through Literatureis designed for the non-specialist who is new to the study of the English language and will be particularly relevant to anyone interested in the in the relationship between the English language and English literature.
This short book does not aim to provide a grammar of Old English. Rather it suggests why the language is so fun to learn, and guides the beginner through some of the resources available from the Early Medieval world. The types of text surviving are discussed and a few guided exercises show how reading these is really no more difficult than studying Latin.
Introducing Sign Language Literature: Folklore and Creativity is the first textbook dedicated to analyzing and appreciating sign language storytelling, poetry and humour. The authors assume no prior knowledge of sign language or literary studies, introducing readers to a world of visual language creativity in deaf communities. Introducing Sign Language Literature: Folklore and Creativity - Explains in straightforward terms the unique features of this embodied language art form - Draws on an online anthology of over 150 sign language stories, poems and jokes - Suggests ways of analysing and appreciating the rich artistic heritage of deaf communities Watch a short video about the book.
This essential Middle English textbook, now in its third edition, introduces students to the wide range of literature written in England between 1150 and 1400. New, thoroughly revised edition of this essential Middle English textbook. Introduces the language of the time, giving guidance on pronunciation, spelling, grammar, metre, vocabulary and regional dialects. Now includes extracts from 'Pearl' and Chaucer's 'Troilus and Criseyde'. Bibliographic references have been updated throughout. Each text is accompanied by detailed notes.
The Earliest English provides a student-friendly introduction to Old English and the earliest periods of the history of the English Language as it evolved before 1215. Using non-technical language, the book covers basic terminology, the linguistic and cultural backgrounds to the emergence and development of OE, and the OE vocabulary that students studying this phase of the English language need to know. In eight carefully structured units, the authors show how the vocabulary of Old English contains many items familiar to us today; how its characteristic poetic form is based on a beautiful and intricate simplicity; how its patterns of word building and inflectional structure are paralleled in several present day languages and how and why the English language and its literature continued to change so that by the mid-12th century the English language looks more like the 'English' that we are familiar with in the 21st century. Features of the book include: the provision of accessible guides to some important 'problem topics' of classical OE stimulating cross-linguistic comparisons, e.g. the pronoun system of OE as compared with the pronoun system of present day Dutch cleverly laid out translation exercises, with structural help in the form of selective glossaries careful division into eight units, designed for both classroom use and self-study Written in a clear and accessible manner, The Earliest English provides a comprehensive introduction to the evolution of Old English language and literature, and will be an invaluable textbook for students of English Language and Linguistics.
