Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
English
Date of Award
5-2001
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Yousif A. Elhindi
Committee Members
Sonya H. Cashdan, James R. Reese, Anne K. LeCroy
Abstract
Through the process of historical linguistics it is possible to determine approximate dates of authorship and meaning that establish the conventions of a particular genre. To accomplish such a study, elements of phonology, morphology, and syntax are compared and the results create a field of descriptors representative of a style of writing of a period.
By using the method on eight well-known Christmas carols, four were determined to have been written prior to the dates previously speculated, possibly originating in the Middle Ages. The remaining four were written based on the conventions set by the earlier medieval carols.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Baker, Tami Lynn, "Historical Linguistic Analysis of Traditional English Christmas Carols." (2001). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 97. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/97
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.