Tim Machan explores the nature of English present and past, and its role in shaping the identity of those who speak it. He pursues his object through episodes in its history around the globe, from Caxton to Churchill and from rural America to colonial Australia. This is a book for everyone interested in English and the role of language in society.
Exploring the concept of language anxiety, the book traces its evolution from the Tower of Babel to the digital age. It delves into how concerns about language not only stem from but also contribute to linguistic change, reflecting deeper issues related to class, culture, identity, and social transformation. Through a historical lens, it examines the interplay between language and societal dynamics, highlighting the significance of language in shaping human experience.
The book explores how the portrayal of medieval England by writers from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries was significantly influenced by the history and culture of Scandinavia. It highlights how the Protestant and monarchical characteristics of Scandinavia shaped a vision of Britain's noble heritage, reinforcing its contemporary global standing. Through this lens, the author examines the interplay between historical narratives and national identity.
English Begins at Jamestown explores how people tell and have told the story of English, from its Indo-European origins to its present-day status as a global language. It shows that there are better, worse, and wrong ways to relate the language's history, even if there cannot necessarily be one... číst celé