Gender Shifts in the History of English

Discover the fascinating evolution of grammatical gender in the English language with Gender Shifts in the History of English by Anne Curzan. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2009, this insightful paperback spans 236 pages and delves into how English transitioned from a grammatical gender system to one rooted in natural gender. Curzan explores significant issues such as 'irregular agreement'—the use of 'she' for ships—and the implications of 'sexist' language practices, including the use of 'generic he' in contemporary English. Drawing on extensive corpus data, this study provides a compelling historical perspective on these pressing linguistic questions, making it an essential read for linguists, language enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of English. Enhance your understanding of language evolution with this thought-provoking work.