Word Origins
Learning Goals:
Gain a basic understanding of the difference between old, middle, and modern English.
Be able to articulate why knowing the origin of words helps one be a more effective communicator.
Gain a basic understanding of the difference between old, middle, and modern English.
Be able to articulate why knowing the origin of words helps one be a more effective communicator.
The Development of the English Language
Dispelling the Myths:
Despite what most students think, "Modern" English began BEFORE William Shakespeare was writing that crazy stuff many often mislabel as "Old" or "Middle" English. Shakespeare was speaking in "Modern" English; he just used some fancier words that have evolved to be less common in today's world. The chart above gives you a sense of the many influences the English Language has seen.
Activity 1:
First by yourself and then with a partner, see you if can figure out what commonly used piece of verse is the Old English version of the following:
Fæder ure þu þe eart on heofonum
Si þin nama gehalgod
to becume þin rice
gewurþe ðin willa
on eorðan swa swa on heofonum.
urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us todæg
and forgyf us ure gyltas
swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum
and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge
ac alys us of yfele soþlice
Si þin nama gehalgod
to becume þin rice
gewurþe ðin willa
on eorðan swa swa on heofonum.
urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us todæg
and forgyf us ure gyltas
swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum
and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge
ac alys us of yfele soþlice
Answer: http://www.angelfire.com/la2/timeline/OEnglish.html
Let's Take a Look at Middle English: http://webpages.marshall.edu/~will2/chaucer.html
So What?
What does having an understanding about words teach us?
- Our language is democratic - that is, always evolving, "doh", based on many influences: people, popular culture, books, film, media, etc
- Our language is complex - it is truly amazing that with all these changes, we are able to still communicate at all!
- Words Matter! Wars have been fought over them. People killed. Families divided. Books banned. Considering the vastness of our language, how many words do you use on a regular basis? Looking at the history of English, reminds us how important it is to expand our vocabularies.
Activity 2:
Think of two of the most IMPRESSIVE words you know and use. Share your words with a partner, then choose the MOST impressive word between you and look it up using the following online etymological (word origins) dictionary: http://www.etymonline.com/
Share one surprising thing you learned about your word with the class.
Share one surprising thing you learned about your word with the class.