History of the English Language
Prior to heading into a study of Macbeth, this unit will give you the opportunity to consider how the English language came to be and what factors have influenced its growth and development over time. You will examine examples of noteworthy texts from each of the phases through which the language has existed in order to see where it has been in the past and perhaps predict where it might go in the future!
A Brief History of the English Language
Read this document for a quick synopsis of how the English language began and came to be what it is today. While doing so, answer the accompanying QUESTIONS to help focus your attention on the key influences and consider what types of events or inventions can help lead to dramatic changes in the ways we communicate. Feel free to use the following links when looking up the etymology of English words: |
Following is a visual representation of the development of the English language. Pardon the crude references... but it's pretty funny!
The following timeline represents English language's development over time. Potentially the most interesting (and important, considering our own studies of English literature) thing to notice is where the works of William Shakespeare fit in! Bet you thought his writing would qualify as Old English!
During the lesson on the History of the English Language, I may reference a scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Instead of listening to me try to explain it yet not manage to do it any justice at all, let's watch it! Pay attention to the French taunter's pronunciation of "knight," as it pokes fun at the way the written language came to diverge from spoken following the invention of the printing press.
"Fetchez la vache!" |
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Diction of the Decades
Try to guess the decades during which the words listed in the document linked above were coined. Then, use this link to CHECK YOUR ANSWERS and consider words which may have been invented since to help define the ever-changing world around us. |
Evolving English Language
Should we be worried about the changing and potential "decomposition" of our language? Read the article "Evolving English language less elegant, prof says," and answer the associated questions to consider this issue. Then watch the video linked below to see how well SJAM teachers can translate modern-day students' slang! |
Old English
The Epic Poem
Heroes
Beowulf
Intro
In Modern Media
Beowulf in original, handwritten script
Beowulf (modern English text)
Plot Summary
Description of the Hero
Description of the Monster
Creating an Epic Monster Poem
"Grendel's Dog, from Beocat"
Middle English
The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales: The Ultimate Travel Game
The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue Web Text
The Canterbury Tales Questions
A Knight's Tale - Questions
The Epic Poem
Heroes
Beowulf
Intro
In Modern Media
Beowulf in original, handwritten script
Beowulf (modern English text)
Plot Summary
Description of the Hero
Description of the Monster
Creating an Epic Monster Poem
"Grendel's Dog, from Beocat"
Middle English
The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales: The Ultimate Travel Game
The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue Web Text
The Canterbury Tales Questions
A Knight's Tale - Questions