This Language, A River: Workbook — Second Edition
  • Publication Date: April 30, 2026
  • ISBN: 9781554817245 / 1554817242
  • 300 pages; 6½" x 9"

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This Language, A River: Workbook — Second Edition

  • Publication Date: April 30, 2026
  • ISBN: 9781554817245 / 1554817242
  • 300 pages; 6½" x 9"

This Language, A River is an introduction to the history of English that recognizes multiple varieties of the language in both current and historical contexts. The book aims to enable students to both grasp traditional histories of English, and to extend and complicate those histories. The second edition uses updated terminology (avoiding “Anglo-Saxon” and further explaining “strong” and “weak” verbs in the history of Indo-European languages) and provides expanded discussions of morphology, syntax, and global Englishes. Corrections and updates have been made throughout.

This accompanying workbook includes exercises keyed to each chapter of the textbook. Exercises are graded into beginning, intermediate, and advanced groupings, which will aid in making the textbook appropriate for different levels of students.

For information about This Language, A River click here.

EXERCISES

• Chapter One
• Chapter Two
• Chapter Three
• Chapter Four
• Chapter Five
• Chapter Six
• Chapter Seven
• Chapter Eight
• Chapter Nine
• Chapter Ten

ANSWERS

• Chapter One
• Chapter Two
• Chapter Three
• Chapter Four
• Chapter Five
• Chapter Six
• Chapter Seven
• Chapter Eight
• Chapter Nine
• Chapter Ten

K. Aaron Smith and Susan M. Kim are Professors of English at Illinois State University.

  • • Balanced approach to the history of English takes into account linguistics, history, and literature
  • • Clear, systematic organization gives students an overview of grammar fundamentals before going into more depth on linguistic concepts
  • • Exercises give students a “rest” in their reading and a chance to review new concepts
  • • Takes a rigorous approach to concepts, but language is approachable
  • • Plentiful illustrations and diagrams break up the text and illuminate important points