The English Language. Have you ever really looked into its origins, its evolution, its diversity?
One day when I was missing my heart language, my flatmate was out of town, I wasn’t working and the snow was falling fast and furious, I watched a documentary. This documentary was in English about English. Starting with the origins, it went through the great vowel shift that led from Middle to Modern English. Leading all the way up to Creoles, Patois, Accents and Dialects in the modern age; this is one of the most complete overviews of the English language I have ever encountered.
I must say that day I watched this I was enthralled. Not only did this give me a bit of spoken English when I was thirsting for it but I was able to learn a vast deal about my history. In a way our language defines us and for better or worse English defines you. The way in which we perceive and navigate the world is in this medium.
It is long. Really, very, long. And so worth it. If you have a spare hour, or seven, and enjoy a British narrator, take a look and enjoy. Here is a snapshot of the first few minutes so I hope this will get you to watch a bit more on your own. If you don’t have the time or energy for that I would also recommend reading King Alfred’s English by Laurie J. White, it is a book much in the same vein. It follows the course of the English language, which I must admit seems rather fantastical.
(I got over my computer anxiety!) This is great Sarah, I watch the first fifteen minutes of the video, and I am going to save the rest for a rainy day! (Which should be soon according to the Weather Channel). The voice speaking between 6:06 -6:15 area is so dreamy! I replayed it several times! What did he say!?!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, I never looked into the origins of English too extensively. And am excited to . The meanings behind "ing", "ton" "ham"- I love learning how the remnants of the past live on! -- Old English, sounds amazing!