The History of English Podcast

The Modern English pronouns were largely inherited from the Anglo-Saxons.  While many of them have survived intact, others have changed quite a bit over the centuries. Some disappeared, some new ones were created, and some were even borrowed from the Vikings. This time we explore the history of the English personal pronouns. We also examine the historical roots of the modern confusion surrounding the proper use of English personal pronouns. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 54

In the 10th century, several factors came together in northern England which resulted in the loss of Old English inflectional endings. This was a fundamental change to English grammar which simplified word forms and led to a fixed a word order. We conclude this episode by examining the plural word forms used in Modern English, and examining how those plural forms evolved in the context of inflectional loss. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 53

In the mid-900s, the English king battled a grand alliance of Celtic and Viking leaders at a place called Brunanburh.  The result was an Anglo-Saxon victory, and one of the more important poems composed during the Old English period. But the Anglo-Saxon victory did little to secure the region around York. The Viking influence remained strong there, and control of York passed between the English and the Vikings. One consequence of that prominent Viking presence was the continuing flow of Norse words into the northern English dialects. We continue to explore the influence of Scandinavian vocabulary on Modern English. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 52

During the 10th century,  the English language spoken in northern and eastern England began to change under the influence of Old Norse.  These changes resulted in a north-south linguistic divide which still exists today.  In this episode we examine how modern linguists use sound changes to identify Norse words in Modern English.  We also examine English-Norse synonyms derived from common Germanic root words. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 51

In the early 10th century, King Alfred’s children and grandchildren conquered the Viking region known as the Danelaw. This brought all of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms under the rule of a single monarch. That monarch was Aethelstan who became the first King of England.  The conquest of the Danelaw was also a family affair. So we explore the etymology of Modern English words related to family and family relations. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 50

This podcast explores the influence of Vikings on English language and culture, discussing the Scandinavian migration to the Danelaw, the origins of English words with Norse roots, the evolution of words related to hands, and the Viking invasions in France.

Explore King Alfred's educational reforms and his translation efforts to promote English, including the first documented use of the term 'English'. Discover the impact of his translations on the language, the evolution of words like 'good', and the connections of words derived from 'jugam'. Learn about Alfred's legal reforms and his contributions in preserving Anglo-Saxon culture and language.

In this bonus episode, the host discusses the creation of an audiobook retelling of the Beowulf story, exploring the original language and historical context. It also delves into the characters, conflicts, and attacks in the epic poem, and discusses the multiple meanings and interpretations of a significant word in Beowulf. The chapter also explores the introduction and setting of the epic poem, including the threat faced by the Danes and the journey of Beowulf and his warriors.

This podcast explores King Alfred's pivotal role in protecting the English language from the Vikings. It covers his early life, struggles against Viking raids, the origin of island names, the evolution of word meanings, the importance of swamps and marshes, Alfred's guerrilla war tactics, and the strategic construction of fortified towns called burrs.

Explore Anglo-Saxon kingship and the poet Cynewulf. Learn about the power struggle between Wessex and Mercia. Discover the mystery of Cynewulf and his use of runic symbols. Understand the role of 'cun' in Anglo-Saxon society and its connection to modern words. Explore the evolution of nobility and the land rent system. Discuss the increase in Viking raids and civil war in the Frankish kingdom.