The Modern Scholar

A History of the English Language

By: Prof. Michael Drout

Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout

Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.

One of the most interesting aspects of the English language lies in its variants, such as the "soda" vs. "pop" debate and the place of African-American English in modern culture. These and other dialectual curiosities are looked at in detail and placed in the context of today's world. Finally, Professor Drout examines the future, not only of the English language, but of all the world's languages.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2006 Michael Drout (P)2006 Recorded Books

Just when ya thought you knew English...

Great book in the history of English! I was one of "those" people practicing the vocal exercises in my car on a road trip :)
Great way to understand just a little more on our language as it is, how it was, and perhaps as it will be.

a terrific beginning for English and all language

a terrific beginning for English and all language ! I yearn to learn more from Mike's stimulating study

A great set of lecture

The first few lectures on phonelogy basics can be fairly boring, but this is one of the few Modern Scholar courses that become progressively more interesting as each lecture goes by. I learned a great deal and I am sure I'd revisit it time and again.

Really should be called intro to Linguistics

This course has aged well (produced in 2006) and, in my opinion, remains one of Drout's best.

A Book Best Listened

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

What a fascinating story of the development of language. To hear it read added immensely to my enjoyment. Why does English have so many silent 'e's? Why are there silent 'k's before 'en's?

What did you like best about this story?

It explained the language I call my own and gave me an appreciation--or greater appreciation--about the connectivity of humankind.

Which scene was your favorite?

Attila the Hun. Who knew he was just a big papabear?