The English Language is spoken by more than a billion people throughout the world. But where did English come from? And how has it evolved into the language used today? Simon Horobin (Professor of English Language and Literature, University of Oxford) will discuss his book ‘How English Became English’ with:

Faramerz Dabhoiwala (Associate Professor of Modern History, University of Oxford)
Martin Wynne (Digital Methods Specialist, Oxford e-Research Centre, University of Oxford)
Philip Durkin (Deputy Chief Editor, Oxford English Dictionary)

The discussion will be chaired by Susie Dent (English lexicographer and etymologist. Host of Countdown’s “Dictionary Corner”).

Free, all welcome. Join us for a sandwich lunch from 12:30, with discussion from 13:00 to 14:00. No booking required, seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

About the book

The English Language is spoken by more than a billion people throughout the world. But where did English come from? And how has it evolved into the language used today? In Do You Speak English? Simon Horobin investigates the evolution of the English language, examining how the language continues to adapt even today, as English continues to find new speakers and new uses. Engaging with contemporary concerns about correctness, Horobin considers whether such changes are improvements, or evidence of slipping standards. What is the future for the English Language? Will Standard English continue to hold sway, or are we witnessing its replacement by newly emerging Englishes?

The event is part of Book at Lunchtime, a fortnightly series of bite size book discussions, with commentators from a range of disciplines.