Q. In the area of linguistics, why has our way of speaking changed as dramatically as it has since the early 18th Century?

To find information on this topic, you may want to begin by searching one of our multidisciplinary databases such as Academic Search Complete or ProQuest Central. Both can be accessed at the Library's Databases A-Z page.

Once you've accessed the database, use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to build your search with keywords. For example:

English Language AND (evolution OR history) AND United States

To narrow your search even further, consider clarifying what you mean by "way of speaking." For instance, you may want to focus on changes with regard to a particular dialect, pronunciation, specific idioms, etc.

For Further Assistance:

• Education Hall: Art and Architecture Library
  Northern Blvd. Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000
  (516) 686-7422
• Manhattan Library
  1855 Broadway, New York, NY 10023-7692
  (212) 261-1526
• Medical Library
  Nelson A. Rockefeller Academic Center
  Northern Blvd. Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000
  (516) 686-3743
• Wisser Memorial Library
  Northern Blvd. Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000
  (516) 686-7657