The emergence and development of American English / William A. Kretzschmar, Jr.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kretzschmar, William A., Jr., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

English language--United States--History.

English language.

United States.

Genre:

History

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2026

Summary:

"This book tells the fascinating story of American English, tracing its emergence in the colonial period through to the present day. Written by a leading scholar, and drawing on data from the Linguistic Atlas Project, it explores how and why American English differs from British English, how it has been standardized, and how the USA's global political power has influenced its prominent status around the world. Illustrated with copious examples of language in use, it also surveys the various dialects of American English, including African American English, and explores social and cultural variation between English and other languages spoken in the United States. Each chapter explains the relevant terms and concepts from linguistics, and provides computer-based exercises. The author also introduces the basics of complexity science, showing how complex systems shape development and change in American English. Authoritative yet accessible, it will be essential reading for researchers and students alike"-- Cambridge Core

Contents:

The idea of American English

Emergence

Old world origins for American English

The colonial period (1600-1800)

The national period (up to the Civil War, 1800-1865)

Gilded age to World War II (1866-1945)

The information age (1945-present)

Regions and localities

African American English

Social differences in American English

Heritage languages and American English

Standard American English

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Online resource; title from PDF title page (Cambridge Core, viewed June 16, 2026)

Other Format:

Print version: Kretzschmar, William A., Jr. Emergence and development of American English

ISBN:

9781009204132

1009204130

9781009161220

1009161229

OCLC:

1524994047

Publisher Number:

CIPO000284490

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license