Historical Linguistics

Question 1

Diachronic linguistics

Answer 1

= Describes and explains language ‘change (over time)’ by comparing synchronous stages of languages

Question 2

Synchronic linguistics

Answer 2

= Studies the state of a language/variety ‘at a particular period of time’

Question 3

The development of English

Answer 3

Old English (OE):
~449 to ~1100
E.g.: Beowulf

Middle English (ME):
~1100 to ~1500
E.g.: Chaucer

Early Modern English (EMdE):
~1500 to ~1700
E.g.: Shakespeare’s works

Modern English (MdE):
~1700 to present

–> Justification of this periodisation based on linguistic and non-linguistic grounds