Episode 174: Speak and Spell
The History of English Podcast
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Shakespearean Origins and Evolution of English Spelling
Exploring the origins of phrases like 'fight fire with fire' and the evolution of terms like 'cold blooded', the chapter delves into Shakespearean influences on the English language. It discusses the pronunciation and spelling changes during Shakespeare's time, highlighting the disconnect between traditional spellings and changing pronunciations. The chapter also delves into the evolution of vowel sounds, comparisons to modern film trilogies, and the historical context behind Shakespeare's plays about the Lancastrian kings and the Wars of the Roses.
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