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A/the history of English language

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Latest post Wed, Oct 21 2009 8:51 PM by meowth. 3 replies.
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meowth  +  948331 Tue, 20 Oct 09 06:59 PM
Hello!

Please, could you explain me what is the difference between those two:

1.A history of English language

2.The history of English language

For me it seems natural that the definite article should be used in this case, but I have encountered both of them many times. They seem to co-exist. Please, could you make it clear for me?
meowth
Joined on Mon, Sep 28 2009
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RayH  +  948433 Tue, 20 Oct 09 08:57 PM
1.A history of the English language

2.The history of the English language


There's really no difference between the two. It's just a matter of what the author wants for his title.


To the extent that there is any difference I guess you could say that "a history..." is the author's way of saying that he has written just one of many histories of the language while "the history..." is the author's way of saying that he has written the (one and only) history of the language that anyone could ever need. The fact is, though, that no one would ever take "the history..." as meaning that so, at the risk of repeating myself, there isn't really any difference.
RayH
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Native speaker of U. S. English. Not a grammar expert.
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Clive  +  948588 Wed, 21 Oct 09 01:21 AM
Hi,

Please, could you explain me what is the difference between those two:

1.A history of English language The writer is thinking 'There are many opinions about the history of English. This book reflects my opinions and reesearch. Other books will be different'.

2.The history of English language The writer is thinking 'There is only one correct version, and this is it'.

For me it seems natural that the definite article should be used in this case, but I have encountered both of them many times. They seem to co-exist. Please, could you make it clear for me?

 

Here are correct ways to say this, depending on whether 'English' is used as a noun, or as an adjective describing the word 'language'.

A history of the English language

The history of the English language

A history of English

The history of English

 

Best wishes, Clive

 
Clive
Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
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El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
meowth, 35 days ago
Thank you very much!
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