230625 The English Language and Its Neighbors (S) (SoSe 2006)

This class will be concerned with English in its social, political, and linguistic relations with its "neighboring" languages. We will organize the seminar by dealing with a series of case studies, at least one of which will be historically oriented, but most of which will be geographical case studies. The aim will be to look at the influence of other languages on English, but also of English on some of these languages. In doing so we will be interested in the effects of such contact on the phonetic and phonological, the syntactic, the lexical, and the pragmatic areas. While Standard English will stand at the center of our observation, non-standard forms may also be chosen.

This class is aimed at students in the M.A. program; however, interested students in the other programs may be admitted on an individual basis.

Students will be expected to complete the regular work - reading, essays, and exercises - that will be set from time to time. In addition, an individual or group presentation in class will be expected. Students, including those who are completing the Magister or Staatsexamen program, may also choose topics from this seminar for a term paper or project paper. In the case of Magister or Staatsexamen students this seminar may provide topics for the final exam (Abschluß).

A reserved reading shelf will be supplied.