189 episodes
The History of English Podcast Kevin Stroud
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- History
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4.8 • 6K Ratings
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A chronological history of the English language examined through the lens of historical events that shaped the development and spread of the language from the Eurasian steppe to the entire world.
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Episode 177: Dressed for Success
In this episode, we look at clothing and fashion in the Elizabethan era, and we examine the connection between clothing, custom and language. We also examine Shakespeare’s plays about the lives of Julius Caesar and Henry V of England. Along … Continue reading →
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Episode 176: All the World’s a Playhouse
Theaters were an important part of cultural life in Elizabethan England, and they contributed many words to the English language. Those words joined thousands of other words that were pouring into English from around the world. In this episode, we … Continue reading →
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Episode 175: The English of Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays and one of the most popular plays ever written. In this episode, we examine the language of the play to see how it reflects the English of Elizabethan England, … Continue reading →
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Episode 174: Speak and Spell
English spelling largely reflects the state of the language in the late 1500s. In this episode, we look at one of the first English spelling books, and we explore several plays by William Shakespeare to examine the way he rhymed … Continue reading →
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Episode 173: Fooling Around
In this episode, we look at the development of English comedy in the early modern era. We examine some of William Shakespeare’s early comedies, and we also distinguish Shakespearean comedy from other types of comedic performances which had been popular … Continue reading →
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Episode 172: Succession
In this episode, we explore the concept of a successful succession. During the early 1590s, France was divided by a bitter conflict over the succession of Henry of Navarre to the French throne. Meanwhile, William Shakespeare wrote a couple of … Continue reading →
Customer Reviews
very nice
I think that the product, and the research that goes into these episodes is impressive. Especially considering the host isn't really a linguist. I also appreciate the corrections made when he says something wrong. (within reason)
Considering this podcast is targeted towards non-linguists and linguists alike, I can appreciate the attempts to make everything easily understandable. Rather than over explaining or going into tangents that draw from the point for super accuracy in phonetics or culture. I think this show presents a perfect middleground. I highly recommend.
Best podcast among all
I hang on every word of this podcast and listen to some again and again. As a fabric collector and seamstress I love the episodes on the origins of words related to those topics. As a passionate reader of Shakespeare I love the episodes on that subject. In fact every episode is chock full of interesting amazing discoveries. My only issue is i wish he would have used the superb movie version of Henry The Fifth with Kenneth Branagh.
Fascinating!
As a European medieval history major, and language nerd myself, I love this podcast! Very in-depth, and detail, and he clearly connects The historical and linguistic evidence back to modern English, and other languages. If language even slightly interests you, you need to give it a listen! Honestly, listen, even if language does not interest you. It’s that good.