The History of English Podcast

This podcast explores the origins of English writing, including the influence of Roman Empire and Christian persecution in Egypt. It delves into the development and regulation of monasteries, the life of Saint Patrick and the conversion of Ireland to Christianity. It also discusses the role of Bertha in the conversion of the Franks and Anglo-Saxons, and the conversion strategy that led to the adoption of Christianity in Kent.

Explore the history of the word 'buoy' and why it's pronounced differently. Learn about the linguistic divisions in 7th century Britain and variations in English dialects. Discover the origins of 'football', 'soccer', 'boy', and 'buoy'. Dive into the different pronunciations of 'buoy' across languages and how they have evolved over time.

We explore the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and their regional Old English dialects.  The ‘Saxons’ soon become the ‘English.’  And ‘English’ provides the name of a new nation. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 32 Map Prepared by Louis Henwood (Click Map for Larger Image) Map Prepared by Louis Henwood (Click Map for Larger Image)

During the period of the Anglo-Saxon migrations, the West Germanic tribes of northern Europe continued to fight for power against the Romans and against each other. This period saw the emergence of the High German dialects, the creation of the Frankish Empire, and the decline of the continental Saxons.  We explore the linguistic consequences of these events. We then examine many of the Frankish words which passed into French, and then into English. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 31

Explore the impact of Celtic languages on Modern English and the complex relationship between native Britons and invading Anglo-Saxons. Discover evidence of Celtic influence in English grammar and the persistent use of 'do' as an auxiliary verb. Delve into the argument that Old English conjugation was influenced by Celtic languages and the evolution of the Arthurian legend.

The podcast explores the challenges faced by the Anglo-Saxons upon their arrival in Britain. It discusses the decline of Latin after the Roman Empire abandoned the island and the gradual decline of Britain after the Romans left. The chapter also analyzes Gildes' account of the Anglo-Saxon invasion and the different contemporary accounts of the history.

The podcast explores the origins of the Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Frisians in northern Europe. It discusses the early raids on Britain and Gaul, the etymology of 'Angles', the origins and connections of the Germanic tribes, factors of expansion in the North Sea coastal region, and the linguistic similarities among the Germanic tribes.

Papyrus scrolls are replaced by parchment books as the Roman Empire declines. New Germanic Kingdoms emerge, but Latin remains dominant. Latin fractures without Roman education system. Transition from scrolls to books, shift from papyrus to parchment. Evolution of books from scrolls to codices. Origins of 'bak'. Impact of Huns on Roman Empire collapse. Visigoth invasion and fall of Rome. Influence of Germanic Kingdoms on Latin and emergence of Romance languages.

Explores the rise of Germanic tribes and the Imperial Crisis in Rome. Discusses the emergence of Saxons, battles with Rome, and the powerful Germanic tribes along the Rhine. Examines the influence of the Franks on English words. Traces the migrations of the Vandals and their impact on Rome. Explores the Goths and their kingdoms in Italy and Spain. Discusses the unique features of the Gothic language and the translation of the Bible into Gothic.

Explore the expansion of Germanic tribes into the Danube region and their encounter with the Etruscan alphabet. Learn about the migration and settlement of Germanic tribes, including the Angli and Friesi, and their linguistic connections. Discover the history and linguistic descendants of the Markamani and Quatii tribes. Delve into the development of the Germanic runic inscriptions and the significance of words found in runic inscriptions.