In this lecture and workshop, we will explore the role, form, and grammar of verbs across the recorded history of the English language. After a brief overview of the key stages and markers of change in English, we will look at some texts in Contemporary, Early Modern, Middle, and Old English to compare the forms and functions of verbs. Participants will get in on the action by completing some fun (and challenging) worksheets in groups at their tables.
Born in Houston, raised in Memphis, nomadic until lured into academic service at Central in 2002, Professor Ciscel (which rhymes with whistle) reveals as a linguist. But what is his true character?
More professionally: PhD in Linguistics from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. MA and BA in German, plus substantial experience teaching English abroad. His research focuses on language policy, multilingualism, and instructed second language acquisition. Publications include several articles and book chapters, plus a book entitled, “The Language of the Moldovans.”