ENG 295, 296 - The English Language

1 course unit

Today English is the international language of commerce, government, science, and journalism, but do all English users speak and write the same language? Where and when did English begin? How has our language changed and why is it still changing? Hundreds of English dialects exist today; perhaps thousands have come and gone since our language was born in 449 A.D. Was Standard English just another dialect that happened to be in the right place (London) at the right time (1400)? To answer these and many other questions, we will examine the phonology, derivational and inflectional morphology, syntax, and semantics of English. As we understand our language more deeply, we will become more sensitive readers, writers, speakers, and listeners, more aware of the shaping effects of culture on language and of language on cultures.
Meets the English language requirement for teacher certification in English.
Meets general academic requirement W when offered as 296.