230443 The Development of the English Vocabulary (S) (WiSe 2026/2027)

In this class we are interested in exploring the development of the English word stock beginning in Old English (450 – 1100) as a result of language contact with both Latin and Old Norse. From there we will continue with the vocabulary of Middle English (1100 – 1500) and the massive restructuring of the vocabulary first and foremost because of the lasting effects of the Normas Invasion in 1066 the di- and triglossia that followed. The vocabulary in the Early Modern English period (1500 – 1700) still underwent numerous changes, both additions and losses, but from more sources than French and Latin alone because at this point British colonization and trade around the globe brought English into contact with a large number of non-English-speaking peoples and their languages and cultures. And finally, we want to see in what ways the L1-English vocabulary of countries such as the US, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa differs from that of Britain. These vocabulary developments will let you - many of you future teachers - understand the etymology, meaning, and usage of English vocabulary better.