Irish English: History and Present-Day Forms (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521174152)

English has been spoken in Ireland for over 800 years, making Irish English the oldest variety of the language outside Britain. This 2007 book traces the development of English in Ireland, both north and south, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Drawing on authentic data ranging from medieval literature to authentic contemporary examples, it reveals how Irish English arose, how it has developed, and how it continues to change. A variety of central issues are considered in detail, such as the nature of language contact and the shift from Irish to English, the sociolinguistically motivated changes in present-day Dublin English, the special features of Ulster Scots, and the transportation of Irish English to overseas locations as diverse as Canada, the United States, and Australia. Presenting a comprehensive survey of Irish English at all levels of linguistics, this book will be invaluable to historical linguists, sociolinguists, syntacticians and phonologists alike.

Author: Raymond Hickey
ISBN-10: 0521174155
ISBN-13: 9780521174152
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 01/26/2012
Pages: 526
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.68lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.17d