Investigating the dynamics of the lexicon

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the lexical influence of Yiddish on English throughout its history. The findings rely on an analysis of the linguistic evidence in electronic dictionaries and corpora. Specific value will be accorded to the use of Yiddish borrowings in informal language. Yiddish has provided English with a number of terms relating to various semantic domains, ranging from gastronomy, faith and religion, to people and everyday life. An important objective is to provide an overview of the domains influenced by Yiddish over time. Particular attention will be given to socio-cultural and historical reasons that might explain the introduction and spread of Yiddish borrowings into different domains over the centuries, contributing to variation in the English lexicon.