Describe the history and evolution of the English language using examples from the following passages. You may also use additional examples drawn from the course material if you wish.
Old English
Middle English
Fæder ure
þu þe eart on heofonum;
Si þin nama gehalgod
to becume þin rice
gewurþe ðin willa
on eorðan swa swa on heofonum
urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us todæg
and forgyf us ure gyltas
swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum
and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge
ac alys us of yfele
Oure fadir
that art in heuenes
halewid be thi name
thi kyndoom come to
be thi wille don
in erthe as in heuene
gyue to us this dai oure breed ouer othir substaunce
and forgyue to us oure dettis
as we forgyuen to oure dettouris
and lede us not in to temptacioun
but delyuere us fro yuel.
Early Modern English
Modern English
Our Father
who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy Name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
Our Father
in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
Part 2: Structure of the English Language
In a few paragraphs giving specific examples, discuss grammar/language myths, prescriptivism/descriptivism, and linguistic discrimination. What is really at stake with these language myths and why does it matter?
Part 3: Using English
Answer the following question in essay format, using examples drawn from the textbook, the course, and/or your own experience. Be as specific as possible in relating your answer to the linguistic concepts covered in the course.
What are the factors that influence how people use the English language in the world today? Consider things like word choice, accent, grammar, syntax, abbreviations, regional or social context, and other elements that distinguish types of English from one another.
