Author: Zoltan Kovecses Publisher: Broadview Press ISBN: 1551112299 Category : Language Arts & Disciplines Languages : en Pages : 362
Book Description
This book is a cultural-historical (rather than purely linguistic) introduction to American English. The first part consists of a general account of variation in American English. It offers concise but comprehensive coverage of such topics as the history of American English; regional, social and ethnic variation; variation in style (including slang); and British and American differences. The second part of the book puts forward an account of how American English has developed into a dominant variety of the English language. It focuses on the ways in which intellectual traditions such as puritanism and republicanism, in shaping the American world view, have also contributed to the distinctiveness of American English.
Author: Zoltan Kovecses Publisher: Broadview Press ISBN: 1551112299 Category : Language Arts & Disciplines Languages : en Pages : 362
Book Description
This book is a cultural-historical (rather than purely linguistic) introduction to American English. The first part consists of a general account of variation in American English. It offers concise but comprehensive coverage of such topics as the history of American English; regional, social and ethnic variation; variation in style (including slang); and British and American differences. The second part of the book puts forward an account of how American English has developed into a dominant variety of the English language. It focuses on the ways in which intellectual traditions such as puritanism and republicanism, in shaping the American world view, have also contributed to the distinctiveness of American English.
Author: Claudine Dervaes Publisher: Solitaire Publishing Inc ISBN: 9780933143401 Category : English language Languages : en Pages : 164
Book Description
An A to Z ("Zed") of terms and expressions that differ in British English vs. American English. Dictionary format with UK terms and expressions and their US equivalents first, followed by US terms and expressions and the UK equivalents next. Also includes pages of rhyming slang, pronunciation differences, spelling differences, conversion charts and more. Great for travelers, Anglophiles, expatriates and anyone who has a love of languages!
Author: Louis McKinney Publisher: Independently Published ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 41
Book Description
British to American English: A Dictionary and Guide to the English Language--perfect for every academician, whiz-kid or bookworm looking to conquer the language barrier. "The Americans are identical to the British in all respects except, of course, language." ~ Oscar Wilde Whether you're travelling to Great Britain or the United States of America, or you just want to understand the differences in our common language divided, this unique dictionary will answer all of your questions. The book contains a wide array of British terms and expressions and their American equivalents; coupled with a history of the language, numerous examples of its everyday usage such as making small talk, and customs and etiquette. BRITISH vs. AMERICAN ENGLISH. A LIFESAVER? The guide provides copious amounts of valuable material by covering the differences between the British and American English accents, pronunciation, grammar, spelling, as well as an A-Z on idioms, a glossary of common differences and variations in slang, and metaphors. The English language is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England, and is now the global lingua franca. Travel back in time to find out how the earliest spoken dialects of English were brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers back in the 5th century. Explore how English is closely related to the Frisian languages, and learn how its vocabulary has been significantly altered by other Germanic languages, including Latin and in particular French, after the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. Part language guide, part cultural study. It's a superb addition to every English language learner and linguists library. Filled with extensive quotations from authentic, real-life English from both sides of the pond (the Atlantic Ocean), this is an easy-to-follow, precise and organised guide which tackles the differences, and the similarities between the grammar of British and American speakers. The book is especially effective and useful for learners with no prior knowledge of linguistics, as it demonstrates the grammatical differences and provides a sound account of contemporary English in use. William compares the customs, manners, and practical scenarios of everyday life in the United Kingdom and the United States. Furthermore, he wraps up with a humorous list of expressions that in one country are innocent, but that can be quite vulgar or suggestive in the other. Two large glossaries help travellers translate from British to American English with meanings such as: Flick knife (switchblade) Fringe (bangs) Lorry (truck) Patience (solitaire) Peg (clothespin) Tollgate (turnpike) And more! Any visitor to Old Blighty or Uncle Sam can be brought right up to speed with the this handy A to Z on the most commonly used and the not so commonly used English words that can often cause confusion, bedlam, red faces and even cost you money if misused or misunderstood. Read on your PC, MAC, smart phone, tablet, Kindle device or buy it on paperback.
Author: Zoltan Kovecses Publisher: Broadview Press ISBN: 1770484280 Category : Language Arts & Disciplines Languages : en Pages : 362
Book Description
This book is a cultural-historical (rather than purely linguistic) introduction to American English. The first part consists of a general account of variation in American English. It offers concise but comprehensive coverage of such topics as the history of American English; regional, social and ethnic variation; variation in style (including slang); and British and American differences. The second part of the book puts forward an account of how American English has developed into a dominant variety of the English language. It focuses on the ways in which intellectual traditions such as puritanism and republicanism, in shaping the American world view, have also contributed to the distinctiveness of American English.
Author: David Simpson Publisher: New York : Oxford University Press ISBN: Category : American literature Languages : en Pages : 328
Book Description
Language, its nature, and its uses have always been controversial topics. This engaging study brings into focus those highly charged years in America Between 1776 and 1850 when questions of language mirrored the social and political arguments of the time and generated even more arguments on both sides of the Atlantic over what American English was, what it might become, and what it ought to be. With a strong narrative line, The Politics of American English shows that by the middle of the 19th century, America had a version of English recognizably its own. To explain how this happened and why, Simpson alternates between theoretical questions of language and the way these questions make themselves felt in literature. His premise, that language is an important organizing principle in the life of human beings, one that is experienced individually as well a collectively, is brilliantly set forth.
Author: Paul Baker Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN: 1108364063 Category : Language Arts & Disciplines Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
Is British English becoming more like American English? If so, why, and in what ways? This book compares examples of American and British language data from the 1930s, 1960s, 1990s and 2000s, to track the most important ways that both varieties are changing over time, and compares the extent to which they are following similar paths using a mixture of computer and human analysis. The analysis is carried out across several levels, including spelling differences (such as colour vs color), vocabulary (truck vs lorry), and a range of morphological, grammatical, semantic and pragmatic features. Baker explores the changing aspects of American and British society which help to explain the findings.