The History of English Podcast Episode 147: A Rude and Rusty Language
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Apr 28, 2021 The podcast discusses the transformation of the English language during the Renaissance period, the perception of English as a common and unsophisticated language, the impact of the Renaissance movement in Europe, the challenges of translating Latin and Greek concepts into English, the usage of the word 'maturity' and loanwords in English, and the borrowing of Latin and Greek words into the English language.
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English Seen As Inadequate For Humanism
- Renaissance scholars judged English "rude and rusty" and unable to express new humanist ideas.
- They solved this by importing thousands of Greek and Latin terms directly into English.
A Third Register Emerges
- Greek and Latin loanwords surged in the 1500s, not just via French but directly from originals.
- This influx created a new, scholarly register distinct from Old English and French.
Printers Shaped Spelling Choices
- Continental printers influenced English spelling, introducing endings like -gue and -que.
- Examples include tongue, dialogue, and music adopting Frenchified spellings.