Drout Mickael. The Modern Scholar: A History of the English Language

Read by Drout Mickael D.C. — Recorded Books, 2009. — 96 kbps. — Duration 08:20:00. — ASIN B002Q1IUOO.
PDF Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.
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.
Lectures:
The Foundations of Language: Brain, Development, Acquisition,
Signs and Meanings: Semantics,
Sounds of Language: Phonetics,
Sound and Meaning: Phonology,
Sound Shifts and History,
The Rules: Syntax,
Words, Words, Words,
The History of the English Language,
From Germanic to Old English,
Borrowing and Influence: Romans, Celts, Danes (Latin, Celtic, Scandinavian),
The Norman Conquest, the Influence of French, and the Development of Middle English,
To Modern English: The Great Vowel Shift,
You Say Soda, I Say Pop: Dialect, Variants, and the Development of American English,
A Global Language: The Present and Future of English.The Modern Scholar is a new series of recorded college-level courses presented in lecture-style format. Taught by some of our nation’s most respected professors and scholars, Modern Scholar courses offer actual college subjects spanning the academic disciplines. From the natural sciences to religious studies, from politics to world history, this unique series offers courses in the subjects that fascinate you.
In addition to the recorded lectures—which alone will expand your knowledge significantly—Modern Scholar courses also include an extensive course guide with added materials and exercises as well as suggestions for further study. And, with each course you take, you’ll be given access to an expansive website with further information, supplemental materials, links to related websites, and a final exam to test your comprehension of the subject. Learning has never been easier or more enjoyable!