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ENGL 3040: The History of the English Language

Contains search strategies, background information, and research help for topics in the history of the English Language.

Getting Started

Meme. Text reads: English doesn't borrow from other languages. English follows other languages down dark alleys, knocks them over, and then goes through their pockets for loose grammar.In ENGL 3040, you will need to write two papers on topics of your choice about the English language, its development over time, historical context, or cultural impact. Depending on your topic, you might need to venture into disciplines that are new to you, particularly the field of linguistics. This guide is designed to help you get started.

  • Topic InspirationLists podcasts about linguistics and culture, as well as books with debates about the English language and how it's used.
  • Background ResearchRounds up books about English, its history, and basic linguistics that can help you better understand the scholarly literature.
  • Search StrategiesExplains techniques for running great searches and digging more deeply into the literature.

You can also contact Annie Smith, the librarian for this subject area, for help developing topics, picking search terms, planning strategies, and using the databases. This is one of her absolute favorite research subjects, and she would be delighted to chat with you about anything pertaining to the history of English.

Recommended Databases

The following databases have different advantages and drawbacks, but I would recommend all of them for research on the history of the English language, English literature, and linguistics.

You can also use OneSearch for historical and other interdisciplinary research.

Ask Your Librarian

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Annie Smith
Contact:
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FL410, Fulton Library
801.863.8752

Library Help

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  • Call: 801.863.8840
  • Text: 801.290.8123