Language change in the history of English

This assessment is a textual analysis. It should be 2000 words

Comparing the language of two periods in the history of English and discussing the changes that occurred between the earlier and later periods. You will illustrate these changes through the use of textual examples taken from one text from each of the two periods. For example, you could compare the language changes between Old English and Later Middle English through the comparison of one Old English text and one Later Middle English text.

1. Choose two texts from Burnley, David. 2002. The History of the English Language: A Sourcebook. London: Routledge.

2. The two texts must be from different periods in the history of English. Indicate clearly in your text analysis which texts (and time periods) you chose to compare using appropriate referencing.

3. Compare the language of the two texts, commenting on observable diachronic changes in all of the following areas: phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexis. For each of the areas, you should discuss at least two observable changes and illustrate these changes with examples from your texts.

4. The text analysis is in the form of a report. You do not need a developed introduction and conclusion; however, you should indicate at the start of the report which two texts are being compared. The analysis should be written in paragraphs, with a coherent structure, using correct linguistic terminology. References to secondary material can be limited to relevant material in History of English textbooks.

All statements are supported by appropriate evidence (references to relevant textual examples). There is a clear, nuanced, fully developed and complex argument that shows synthesis of material and independent judgement.