Lecture I theme I: Subject and aims of the History of English

a n (n)

a o

b p

c (k); or (k’) r

d s (s) or (z)

e t

f (f) or (v) P (O)

3 (3) u

h (x); (x’); or (h) x

y (y’)
The letters could indicate short and loan sounds. The length of vowels is shown by a macron: bat (ba:t), NE boat or by a line above the letter , as in the examples below; long consonants are indicated by double letters. (The differences between long and short sounds are important for the correct understanding of the OE sound system and sound changes, but need not be observed in reading).

Questions:

1. 
   What languages were spoken in the British Isles prior to the Germanic invasion? Which of their descendants have survived today?
   
2. 
   What historical events account for the influence of Latin on OE?
   
3. 
   Describe the linguistic situation in Britain before and after the Germanic settlement.
   
4. 
   Explain the origin of the following place- names : Britain, Scotland, Great Britain, Breiagne, England, Sussex, Essex , Middlesex, Wessex, Northumberland, Wales , Cornwall.
   
5. 
   The OE language is often called Anglo – Saxon. Why is this term not fully justified?
   
6. 
   Why can we regard the group of OE dialects as a single language despite their differences, which continued to grow in binds them together?