Chapter 1: Introduction to the English Language
* Describes the history and development of the English language, from its Proto-Indo-European roots to its modern form.
* Real example: The word "father" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *pǝ₂tḗr*, meaning "protector."
Chapter 2: The Sounds of Old English
* Introduces the distinctive sounds of Old English, including diphthongs, triphthongs, and consonant clusters.
* Real example: The letter "þ" represents the voiceless dental fricative /θ/, as in the word "þæt" (that).
Chapter 3: Old English Grammar
* Covers the essential grammatical features of Old English, such as verb conjugations, noun declensions, and pronominal forms.
* Real example: The verb "bēon" (to be) conjugates as follows: ic eom (I am), þū eart (you are), hē is (he is).
Chapter 4: Old English Vocabulary
* Explores the rich vocabulary of Old English, including its borrowings from Latin, Greek, and Old Norse.
* Real example: The word "hors" (horse) is a cognate with the Latin "equus" and the Greek "ἵππος" (hippos).
Chapter 5: Old English Texts
* Introduces students to a range of Old English texts, including the epic poem *Beowulf*, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and religious writings.
* Real example: The opening line of *Beowulf* reads: "Hwæt! We Gar-Dena in geardagum / þeod-cyninga þrym gefrunon" (Listen! We have heard of the glory of the Spear-Danes in days of yore).
Chapter 6: Old English Dialects
* Discusses the various dialects of Old English, including West Saxon, Mercian, and Northumbrian.
* Real example: In West Saxon, the word "hūs" (house) is pronounced /huːs/, while in Northumbrian, it is pronounced /huːs/.
Chapter 7: Old English Literature
* Provides an overview of Old English literature, including its major genres, themes, and literary devices.
* Real example: The theme of exile is prevalent in Old English literature, as seen in the poem *The Wanderer.*
Chapter 8: Old English Linguistics
* Explores the history of Old English linguistic scholarship and the methods used to study the language.
* Real example: The Oxford English Dictionary includes a comprehensive collection of Old English words and their meanings.
Chapter 9: Old English in the Modern World
* Discusses the influence of Old English on the modern English language and culture.
* Real example: Many English words, such as "day" and "night," have their origins in Old English.
