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English Etymology: A Select Glossary Serving as an Introduction to the History of the English Language

£20.26 £11.41

English Etymology: A Select Glossary Serving as an Introduction to the History of the English Language offers a fascinating exploration of the origins, development, and transformation of English words across time. It serves both as a linguistic reference and as a guide to understanding how English evolved through contact, borrowing, and cultural exchange.

The glossary presents a curated selection of words that trace the influence of Latin, Greek, French, Norse, and other languages on English vocabulary. Each entry reveals the word’s historical journey—its root meanings, phonetic changes, and shifts in sense—illuminating the dynamic processes that have shaped the language.

Beyond definitions, the book introduces readers to fundamental concepts of historical linguistics, including sound change, semantic drift, and morphological development. It situates English etymology within its broader Indo-European heritage, making complex linguistic history accessible and engaging for students and enthusiasts alike.

As both an introduction and a reference, it bridges scholarship and readability, offering insights valuable to learners of philology, literature, and the history of language. Teachers and researchers will find it a concise yet rich resource for exploring the deep roots and evolving character of English.

English Etymology: A Select Glossary stands as a classic contribution to the study of language history—an enduring reminder that every word carries within it a story of culture, contact, and change.

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