The History of English Podcast

The podcast covers a talk given by the host at the Sound Education Conference, discussing his experiences and the history of English. Topics explored include the evolution of the word 'where', the Norman Invasion's impact on English society, the connection between English and French, and the origin of 'Herra-watered' and its connection to Harvard University.

Explore the growth of surnames and urban centers in medieval England, the origins of common English phrases, the significance of shop signs in the Middle Ages, the evolution of the word 'spoon' and Anglo-Saxon eating utensils, the evolution of 'span new' and 'spick and span new', and the craftsmanship in medieval professions.

This podcast explores the evolution of naming practices after the Norman Conquest, delving into surnames, nicknames, and the historical origins of names like Jack. It also discusses naming conventions in Ancient Greece and the impact of the Norman conquest on Anglo-Saxon naming practices.

Exploring the spread of English into Celtic regions in the early 1300s, including the rise of Scots dialect, Edward I's fascination with King Arthur, the spread of English in Wales and Cornwall, the battle for Scottish independence, unique linguistic features in Scots, and the aftermath of Edward I's death and Edward II's reign.

Explore the history and standardization of measurements, the influence of different cultures on measurement words, the origins and connections of maritime measurements, the evolution of measurement standards and the role of Pi-Powder courts, the challenges of the bread law and the origins of a baker's dozen, and the significance of the number twelve and its divisions in human life.

This podcast explores the history of number words, tracing back to Indo-European roots and the replacement of Roman numerals with Hindu Arabic numerals in England. It discusses the use of tally sticks and stones for counting, the development of numbering systems, and the evolution of number words like 'one' and 'two'. It also explores the slow acceptance of Hindu Arabic numerals in England and their impact on arithmetic and science.

Explore the unique features of the Middle English dialects spoken in southern England after the Norman Conquest, including pronunciation shifts and usage of pronoun forms. Discover the oldest English beast fable poem from the 13th century and its significance in English literature. Analyze the southern accent features in English pronunciation, such as vowel shifts and influence on certain words. Discuss the evolution of pronunciation and spelling in Old English, including the use of 'z' and the interchangeability of 'i' and 'y'. Discover a fox's trickery and escape at the well and the differences between northern and southern accents.

This podcast explores Edward I's failed plans to conquer Scotland and the rebellion that ensued, the Scottish uprising led by William Wallace and the Battle of Falkirk, the development of Scots as the official language of the Scottish government, the origins and characteristics of the Cursor Mundi poem in Northern England, the components and historical significance of scythes, the influence of Norse words on the Northern English dialect, and the variations between Northern and Southern English dialects.

This podcast explores Edward I's conquest of Wales and his desire to extend his authority to Scotland. It discusses the linguistic situation in England around the 1300s and the anglicization of French words. The succession crises in England and Scotland during the 13th century are examined, as well as Edward's expulsion of the Jews from England. The evolution of legal terms in English and the origin of the word 'sentence' are also explored.

Explore the importance of wool and cloth industries in Medieval England, including the evolution of clothing styles and the influence of wool on the English language. Discover the historical significance of the term 'hayward' and its connection to surnames and nursery rhymes. Delve into the tax on wool exports and the process of wool production. Learn about the origin of the phrase 'dyed in the wool' and its connection to the profession of wool-spinning. Understand the impact of the wool tax on the growth of the English cloth industry.