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Published by The Open University
Where did the phrase ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ come from? And when did scientists finally get round to naming sexual body parts? Voiced by Clive Anderson, this entertaining romp through 'The History of English' squeezes 1600 years of history into 10 one-minute bites, uncovering the sources of English words and phrases from Shakespeare and the King James Bible to America and the Internet. Bursting with fascinating facts, the series looks at how English grew from a small tongue into a major global language before reflecting on the future of English in the 21st century.
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A look at what words the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings bought to the English language.
Transcript -- A look at what words the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings bought to the English language.
In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded Britain and bought with him fancy French words to add to the English language.
Transcript -- In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded Britain and bought with him fancy French words to add to the English language.
This video tells us that Shakespeare invented over 2000 new words and phrases like eyeball, anchovy and puppy.
Transcript -- This video tells us that Shakespeare invented over 2000 new words and phrases like eyeball, anchovy and puppy.
Illustrating that in 1611, the new King James Bible was created and gave us many famous phrases.
Transcript -- Illustrating that in 1611, the new King James Bible was created and gave us many famous phrases.
In the 17th Century, new science words were being created like acid, ovary and tonsil.
Transcript -- In the 17th Century, new science words were being created like acid, ovary and tonsil.
Exploring how the British Empire spread across the world bringing back many new words and phrases.
Transcript -- Exploring how the British Empire spread across the world bringing back many new words and phrases.
A look at how lexicographers started creating the Dictionary of the English Language to ensure that everyone spelt words correctly and knew their correct definition.
Transcript -- A look at how lexicographers started creating the Dictionary of the English Language to ensure that everyone spelt words correctly and knew their correct definition.
Learn about American-English and how some American words were actually English to start with.
Transcript -- Learn about American-English and how some American words were actually English to start with.
Exploring the expansion of internet language, with abbreviations like lol and btw.
Transcript -- Exploring the expansion of internet language, with abbreviations like lol and btw.
The future of English and the many hybrids that have been created. Should we still call it English?
Transcript -- The future of English and the many hybrids that have been created. Should we still call it English?
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