The History of English Podcast

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.

The podcast explores the significance of coins as cultural artifacts and their role in revealing insights into history. It discusses the transition from Roman coins to Anglo-Saxon coins in Western Europe, the introduction of official coins in Britain, and the difficulties of converting Saxony to Christianity. It also explores the decline of scholarship and political power in Northumbria, the evolution of the term 'Dutch,' and the arrival of the Vikings and their raids on British monasteries.

This podcast episode explores the influence of Old French on the English language, discussing the origins of words like 'Ward' and 'Warden', the diversity of English resulting from mixing languages, the evolution of the Latin word 'Copet', the standardization of French dialects around Paris, and the impact of Viking Normans and Southern French dialects on English.

Explore the monsters and mythology in Beowulf, the emergence of traditions and mythologies around warbands in early Germanic culture, the use of magical rites and rituals by the Anglo-Saxons, the treaty between King Alfred and the Danish king, the origins and evolution of words related to death and curses in Old English, and the significance of monsters in the epic poem Beowulf.