Chapter 2. Adapting the Dynamic Model to historical linguistics
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Michael Percillier
Abstract
This chapter describes a new application of the Dynamic Model of contact by Edgar W. Schneider to the medieval contact situation between Anglo-Norman and Middle English, which lasted from 1066 until ca. 1500. Specifically, the emergence of an insular variety of Old French called Anglo-French, as well as the transfer of linguistic features from French into Middle English, are discussed within this framework. By way of three pilot studies, the productivity of copied features as well as instances of ‘failed change’ are explained by the model’s dynamic and granular nature. The chapter demonstrates how the model can be applied to further contexts than its original scope, and may provide a framework to explain contact-induced developments in both settler and indigenous languages.
Abstract
This chapter describes a new application of the Dynamic Model of contact by Edgar W. Schneider to the medieval contact situation between Anglo-Norman and Middle English, which lasted from 1066 until ca. 1500. Specifically, the emergence of an insular variety of Old French called Anglo-French, as well as the transfer of linguistic features from French into Middle English, are discussed within this framework. By way of three pilot studies, the productivity of copied features as well as instances of ‘failed change’ are explained by the model’s dynamic and granular nature. The chapter demonstrates how the model can be applied to further contexts than its original scope, and may provide a framework to explain contact-induced developments in both settler and indigenous languages.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
- Chapter 2. Adapting the Dynamic Model to historical linguistics 5
- Chapter 3. An account of the use of fronting and clefting in Cornish English 35
- Chapter 4. How does causal connection originate? 57
- Chapter 5. Old Northumbrian in the Scottish Borders 75
- Chapter 6. From eadig to happy 97
- Chapter 7. Distributional changes in synonym sets 119
- Chapter 8. The taking off and catching on of etymological spellings in Early Modern English 143
- Chapter 9. Speech acts in the history of English 165
- Index 181
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
- Chapter 2. Adapting the Dynamic Model to historical linguistics 5
- Chapter 3. An account of the use of fronting and clefting in Cornish English 35
- Chapter 4. How does causal connection originate? 57
- Chapter 5. Old Northumbrian in the Scottish Borders 75
- Chapter 6. From eadig to happy 97
- Chapter 7. Distributional changes in synonym sets 119
- Chapter 8. The taking off and catching on of etymological spellings in Early Modern English 143
- Chapter 9. Speech acts in the history of English 165
- Index 181
