Beginning Old English

This basic introduction to Old English is an essential guide for students with little or no linguistic knowledge. Unlike other textbooks on the subject, Beginning Old English focuses on the explanation and demonstration of how the language works, using accessible illustrations from simplified Old English texts and showing how many features of present-day English have their roots in this stage of the language. Beginning Old English - builds up reading skills by using simple texts to support the acquisition of key vocabulary and to develop awareness of language structure - offers an introduction to the conventions of Old English poetry and how they are realised across different genres: religious verse, riddles, elegies and heroic poetry - explores issues in the translation of Old English verse - guides the reader through four major texts: Cynewulf and Cyneheard, Beowulf (extract), The Battle of Maldon and The Dream of the Rood - features activities, glossaries, illustrations and a Further Reading section. Concise and approachable, this invaluable text will appeal to anyone with an interest in the early history of English language and literature.

Table of Contents:
List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Preface PART I Origins Recognising Old English Words People and Things Place, Time, Manner and Reason Actions and Events Introducing Old English Poetry Translating Old English Poetry: Beowulf PART II Four Old English Texts Text A: Cynewulf and Cyneheard Text B: Beowulf, lines 710-836 Text C: The Battle of Maldon Text D: The Dream of the Rood Concluding Remarks Glossary of Technical Terms Appendix: Old English Paradigms Further Reading Index

About the Author :
CAROLE HOUGH is Reader in English Language at the University of Glasgow, UK. She is the author of many articles on Old English and related subjects, and has co-edited New Perspectives on English Historical Linguistics: Vol 2: Lexis and Transmission. She is also editor of the journal Nomina. JOHN CORBETT is Full Professor of English Studies at the University of Macau. He is the author of Language and Scottish Literature and An Intercultural Approach to English Language Teaching. He has co-edited The Edinburgh Companion to Scots and Serving Twa Maisters: Five Classic Plays in Scots Translation.

Review :
'Practical, engaging and full of fresh and exciting strategies for getting students started with reading Old English.' - Chris Jones, University of St Andrews, UK 'Ideal both for undergraduates with minimal linguistic training, and for general readers interested in historical aspects of English. The gentle narrative walks the reader through the forest of grammar and unknots difficult phrasing.' - Haruko Momma, New York University, USA