Getting Help -- Reddit

Since I am a little bored of reading Algeo's book, I'm looking to take a small break. At reddit.com, I will creating a post in an appropriate subreddit looking for assistance with my problem. If the post comes up dry, I will probably resort to e-mailing another college professor. If the post is successful, however, I will edit this post with a transcript of said thread.

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No post has been successful over the break, but I will continue my efforts to find a community to immerse myself within the English language. Also, Family Interactions begins this quarter, more updates to follow.

Algeo's Origins and Development of the English Language - Reflection - Part Three

I find it interesting that the English language went through such a large change from the Normandy invasion. The influence the Normans had on the language was possibly one of the largest changes to its vocabulary in its history. French, Latin, and other 'high' languages made up the words we consider 'good' today, and the German influences are considered grisly and unappealing. For example, German words used the animal to describe their food, and the higher languages made words for their foods.
Also, doubled letters appearing and evolving into certain language sounds like 'IE' and 'OU' was especially interesting. I would have never guessed that doubled letters formed parts of our modern pronunciation.

Algeo's Origins and Development of the English Language - Research - Part Three

At the end of the Old English period, the Normans invaded England and conquered it. This invasion subjected the English language and culture to change with the new Norman influence on the area. Three languages existed in the area at the time: English, Latin, and Norman French. The English culture changed in congruence with the French culture at the time because of this reason. Latin also influenced English vocabulary since it was the language of the church. A large amount of Middle English's language was derived from the upper-class French and Latin influences. Doubled letters were also a center-point of the language, and these have survived to our day, but are no longer one letter as a whole and no longer represent the same sound. EE became written as EA, and IE and EI remained as they were. Long U was replaced by OU, which is of French origin. Different dialects rose depending on the area the language was spoken in: North, Midland, West and East Midland, and Southern. Northern, Midland and West Midland kept many characteristics of Old English, and East Midland and Southern influenced each other greatly.


Notice: The Family Interactions Unit will begin at the start of Fourth Quarter. Algeo's Origins will still continue during this time, however.

Family Interactions: A To-Do List for the Near Future

I have devised a list of important aspects of my upcoming Family Interactions project. This list will help me gather my thoughts and proceed with the project.

• Analyze a typical family conversation. What words are used in each context? What words are directed towards which individuals? Which tones are used in happiness, anger, or sadness?

• Record a family conversation. Having a conversation to analyze even hours after the first one will be extremely helpful.

• What people use certain words? How does the father's language differ from the mother's, etc.?

• Analyze the etymologies of each family member's words.