The History of English Podcast

Explore the Viking-era states of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, their impact on the English language, and their prominence in Beowulf. Delve into the linguistic similarities between Old English and Old Norse, and the influence of Norse words on the English language. Discover the origins of words related to boats, bolts, biting, and splitting. Uncover the connections between the Geats and Goths, and the migration of various Germanic tribes. Introduction to the historical background of Scandinavia and the Vikings.

Topics discussed in this bonus episode include Old English words related to knowledge and wisdom, the evolution of finger names in Old English, the etymology of words related to knowledge, and the origins and development of words related to understanding and knowledge in the English language.

In this podcast, the evolution of compound words in Old English and how they have evolved in modern English is explored. It also discusses the origins of words like 'daisy', 'dawn', 'bride-ale', and 'ale-house', and examines the influence of Norse and Anglo-Saxon languages on English. The origins and meanings of Old English compound words related to maritime activities are discussed, as well as the connection between the origins of words related to education and endurance in Old English. Finally, the podcast explores the decline of the Northumbrian Renaissance, the rise of the kingdom of Mercia, and the impact of Viking raids on the English language.

Explore the influence of Latin on the English language, from the spread of monastic schools in medieval Britain to the borrowing of Latin words in Old English. Discover the evolution of phrases like 'noon' and the lasting impact of Latin on English vocabulary. Dive into the fascinating life of Ethelrata, a queen turned saint, and uncover the connection between neck diseases, Christianity, and the word 'taudrey'. Learn how Latin shaped English as a literary language.

Early Christians in Britain faced challenges in translating foreign words to English. Monasteries enabled the fusion of Latin and English, aiding in spreading the Christian message. The origins and meanings of old English phrases describing God are explored. The poet Cadmon blended heroic notions with Christian concepts in his work. The significance of bread in ancient societies and the connection between bloodshed and heroism in Germanic culture are discussed. The episode concludes by examining the evolution of Christian concepts in Old English.

Explore the Northumbrian Renaissance and the Kingdom of Northumbria's emergence as a center of scholarship. Discover the importance of poetry in early language development and the challenges of preserving Old English poetry. Learn about marriage alliances, the role of women, and the origins of marriage terms. Dive into the marriage, conversion, and betrayal of Edwin of Northumbria. Delve into the political rivalry and strategic alliances of Oswald and Ozzly in Northumbria. Discover the significance of the Whitby monastery and Cadmon's hymn in integrating English alongside Latin in monastic settings.

Explore the role of traveling minstrels and poets in Anglo-Saxon culture, the evolution of the word 'way' and its connections, political dynamics of Anglo-Saxon Britain, the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the performative nature of Germanic poets, and the significance of poets as entertainers, historians, and preservers of oral tradition.

We complete our look at the first Old English alphabet by exploring the remaining letters of the original alphabet.  The north-south divide resulted in distinct letters and different spelling conventions.  But over time, these differences blended together.  Once again, we examine how these initial spelling rules impacted Modern English spellings. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 36

As the sounds of English evolved in the 7th century, the first English scribes began to write the language with the Roman alphabet.  But the English scribes had to invent ways to represent the unique sounds of Old English.  In this episode, we explore the first English alphabet and the lingering effect of that alphabet on modern English spellings. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 35

The sound of English began to change as soon as the first Anglo-Saxons arrived in Britain. We explore the specific sound changes which occurred and the impact which those changes had on modern English. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 34