The History of English Podcast

In the 1553, Mary Tudor became the first queen to rule England as the head of the government. She promptly turned back the clock on the religious reforms that had taken place over the prior few years. Meanwhile, scholars of English were also trying to turn back the clock. They wanted to return the language to its roots and eliminate the so-called ‘inkhorn’ terms which were so common at the time. In this episode, we explore those parallel attempts to go ‘back to basics.’ TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 155

By the mid-1500s, scholars were becoming more confident in the ability of English to express sophisticated ideas and concepts associated with classical learning. Writers began to use English beside Latin and Greek in many scholarly works during this period. English also replaced Latin in the regular services of the Church of England. Some people embraced these changes, but others vehemently opposed them. In this episode, we explore the changing perception of English during the reign of Edward VI, and the major events of his reign that shaped the English language. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 154

In early Modern English, writers and printers began to revise the spelling of many English words to reflect their etymological origins. Old letters were revived from the dead to reflect sounds that had disappeared over time in those words. This fad reached its height in the mid-1500s, and it wreaked havoc on Modern English spelling and pronunciation. In this episode, we explore that phenomenon and see how it impacted Modern English. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 153

John Heywood was a playwright and poet who made two important contributions to the history of English. He was a key figure in the emergence of modern English drama which led directly to William Shakespeare at the end of the century. He was also a proverb collector who assembled most of the common proverbs in English into a popular poem that serves as an important resource for modern historians of the language. In this episode, we examine English proverbs, the emergence of modern English drama, and words associated with comedy and humor in Tudor England. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 152

During the reign of Henry VIII, medical books and herbals proved to be some of the most popular publications in England. The people of England wanted medical books that they could read in the own language. The largely unregulated medical marketplace meant that people often had to find a way to treat diseases on their own. In this episode, we explore the nature and terminology of disease in early Tudor England, and we examine the many illnesses that plagued the people of England, including Henry VIII and his family. We also examine how the diagnosis and treatment of disease took the first steps toward a modern scientific approach during this period. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 151

Explore the rise of Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England and the establishment of the modern punctuation system. Learn about Henry's reign and the execution of Cardinal Woolsey, as well as the origins of capital offenses and their relation to decapitation. Discover the historical origins of punctuation and its development from ancient Greek writings to the printing press. Delve into the English Reformation, Thomas More's opposition, and the evolution of punctuation marks, with a focus on the comma. Dive into the changing meanings of words and the Reformation Parliament's role in the break with Rome.

In the years following Martin Luther’s protest against the Catholic Church, small fractures soon turned into a major rift. The Protestant Reformation led to the break-up of the Western Church. Meanwhile in England, the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon was also coming to an end.  Those two events came together in the 1520s to set the stage for the permanent break between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. This break-up also created an environment in which William Tyndale could produce an English translation of the Bible that served as the foundation of the King James Bible. It was a translation that coined many common words and idioms that are still used in Modern English. TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 149

Exploring the impact of political marriages and divorces in the early 1500s, including Henry VIII's reign and its influence on the English language. Discussing words for union and marriage in different languages. Exploring how political marriages reshaped Europe and led to the rise of the Tudor dynasty in England. Delving into Henry VIII's interests in hunting, music, and humanism. Exploring the importance of the marriage between Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII, and the potential consequences of their failure to produce a male heir. Discussing the evolution of Scots language, influential Scottish poets, and the changing society in the 16th century. Exploring the birth of Mary and the challenges to church doctrines. Discussing the discovery of a massive silver deposit in Bohemia and the creation of Joachimstahler coins.

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.

1492: Columbus encounters native people in the Americas and their language; European discovery of the Americas and its impact on English; Introduction of potatoes and tomatoes and their pronunciation evolution; Columbus's search for Japan and conflicts in Hispaniola; Journeys of European explorers, Portuguese colonies in Brazil, and influence of cocoa; Historical usage of 'Columbia' and naming of America; Impact of discovery on world history: cultural exchanges, African slaves, and global spread of goods and ideas.