English Dialects From the Eighth Century to the Present Day

"English Dialects From the Eighth Century to the Present Day" by Walter W. Skeat is a historical exploration into the dynamic world of English dialects, tracing their transformations from the eighth century to the early 20th century. The book investigates the origins and progression of regional variations in the English language, explaining how dialects have spread into the numerous forms we see today. Skeat emphasizes why studying dialects is important, highlighting their role as evidence of phonetic change and linguistic innovation, therefore enriching our knowledge of language. Written in the early 1900's, this text will set the stage for a detailed study of various English dialects, their beginnings, and the cultural impacts that shaped them, with the author seeking to give a broad audience an understanding of English dialects through time.