English Language

English Language involves the study of change in English. At Edinburgh, we have a strong tradition of investigating variations of the language, including:

• Scots

• distinct dialects of English

• international varieties

The English language has a well-recorded history of more than 1,000 years. Its changes can be traced through:

• medieval manuscripts

• text messages

• recordings of spoken English

Using techniques from modern linguistics, you will:

• analyse the structure of written and spoken English

• explore how the English language has changed over time

• learn to identify the similarities and differences between English and other languages

You can also study modern-day varieties of English and Scots.

Programme benefits

• The English Language programme offers a large number of course options.

• You will gain a strong foundation in linguistic concepts and ideas. You will also look at the development of English from pre-history and the language of early Britain, to modern English and its status as the global language of the 21st century.

• You will learn from world-class language scientists with a wide range of specialities, including:

• sociolinguistics

• historical phonology

• dialectology and syntax

• Old English and varieties of English and Scots

• We conduct world-leading research in English language and linguistics.