Understanding English Homonyms: Their Origins and Usage

Alexander Tulloch

jan 2017 · Hong Kong University Press

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Understanding English Homonyms: Their Origins and Usage explores the phenomenon of homonyms in English by analysing a selection of those with the most interesting histories. This book not only illustrates how homonyms are used in various contexts but also provides etymological explanations of how they came to be such a prominent feature of the language.

The introduction offers the reader a brief summary of the social, historical, and linguistic influences that contributed to the evolution of this phenomenon in modern English. A glossary of the linguistic terms referred to in the text is also included.

With very few books currently available on the historical origins of English homonyms, this volume should prove popular among students of the language and its history. It will also appeal to anyone who is fascinated by etymology in general.

 

‘A valuable resource for the student curious to learn why English has so many confusing words. The origin of homonyms is clearly explained with a detailed background as to how their current usage has arisen. Extremely enlightening, even for the most erudite student.’ —Steven Bukin, Principal, School of English Studies, Folkestone, UK

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Alexander Tulloch is a former senior lecturer in Russian and Spanish. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, he was also visiting lecturer in translation studies at the City University London and has written extensively on etymology.