Why Is English Like That?: Historical Answers to Hard ELT Questions
By Norbert Schmitt
Book Description
The book outlines the historical events that shaped English; describes how its grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation developed over time; and highlights the “quirks” and “exceptions” in English that can be explained on a historical basis. By understanding how the English of today evolved from the English of past times, both teachers and students will be more comfortable with the many conventions of the English language.
Why Is English Like That? also contains reproducible grammar and vocabulary exercises that will help teachers incorporate some of this historical knowledge into classroom activities. This book was written with English language teachers in mind, and the exercises are designed for ESL/EFL students, but it may also be used by teachers in training (L1 and L2).
About the Author
Norbert Schmitt is an instructor in Applied Linguistics, and Richard Marsden is a specialist in historical linguistics, University of Nottingham (UK).
Book Details
- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: University of Michigan Press/ESL (February 10, 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0472031341
- ISBN-13: 978-0472031344
- Price: $27.50
| Planaria J. Price |
I haven’t been this excited about a book since I read “Everything is Illuminated.” And this one is non-fiction!! This well-written, extremely detail-filled book is an English teachers’ dream come true. It not only gives us clear and fascinating answers to all the difficult questions students ask about our crazy language: the weird spelling, myriad vocabulary, irregular verbs, etc, but it even has reproducible lessons at the back of each chapter. Filled with marvelous statistics and readable charts, it’s the first non-fiction book I have ever read, cover to cover. It will be an asset and joy to teacher and student and a great read for any curious soul. Hooray!!!
Mul- tiplying coin will not whisk these resources into being. ,