A classic text that provides a comprehensive and balanced exploration of the history of the English language from the Middle Ages to the present and combines internal linguistic history and external cultural history. Emphasizes the political, social, and cultural forces that affect language; contains Old and Middle English syntax; features Chicano English, Caribbean English, English in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Black English and varieties of English in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Canada. An important reference for upper level courses in the history of the English language.