This impressive volume provides a chronological, narrative account of the development of American English from its earliest origins to the present day.

Speaking American shows what the English language looked like from various points on the American continent at crucial points in its linguistic history.

This book is a cultural-historical (rather than purely linguistic) introduction to American English. The first part consists of a general account of variation i

This lively introduction to the study of language explores American English and its place within contemporary society, highlighting the role of language in our

The history and development of English, from the earliest known writings to its status today as a dominant world language, is a subject of major importance to l