How Much of Modern English Came from Shakespeare???

Summary

This video explores the significant impact William Shakespeare had on the English language, highlighting how his works introduced or popularized over 1,700 words and numerous idioms still in use today. It delves into the various ways he enriched the language, such as creating compound words, transforming nouns into verbs, and adopting terms from other languages.

Takeaways

• 📚 William Shakespeare's works, written in early modern English between 1590 and 1613, have had a profound impact on Western culture and the English language.
• 🎭 Shakespeare is credited with popularizing many words and idiomatic expressions, though it's debated whether he actually created 1,700 words or simply brought them into written form.
• 🌐 Shakespeare's idioms such as 'too much of a good thing' and 'come full circle' are still widely used today, with some having evolved in meaning since their first appearance in his plays.
• 📖 The Bard introduced new vocabulary through various linguistic methods, including compounding (e.g., 'upstairs', 'eyeball'), conversion (e.g., 'bump' from noun to verb), and affixation (e.g., 'successful' from 'success').
• 🔄 Some words had their meanings altered by Shakespeare, giving them new connotations that have persisted into modern English, such as 'flowery' evolving from a floral reference to one of richly embellished speech.
• 🌟 Shakespeare's influence extends beyond literature, as his works have contributed to the everyday language of English speakers worldwide, including those who learn English as a second language.
• 💡 The script highlights the power of passion and creativity, suggesting that through dedication to one's craft, one can have a lasting impact on language and culture.
• 🤔 The video script invites viewers to reflect on their own use of Shakespearean words and idioms, prompting engagement and a deeper appreciation for the language's rich history.
• 👏 Acknowledgment is given to Patreon supporters, emphasizing the community aspect and the support network that helps in creating and sharing educational content.
• 🌐 The video also promotes a free resource at liangfocus.com, offering a video series to help increase vocabulary in any language, demonstrating the ongoing quest for language learning and enrichment.

Q & A

What is the main challenge students face when studying Shakespeare's works?

The main challenge students face is that Shakespeare's works are written in early modern English, which can be difficult for them to understand as it feels like a different language.

How many plays and poems did William Shakespeare write?

William Shakespeare wrote at least 38 plays and over 150 poems, both short and long.

What is the impact of Shakespeare's works on Western culture and the English language?

Shakespeare's works have made a tremendous impact on Western culture and the English language, influencing vocabulary and idiomatic expressions that are frequently used today.

What is the common claim about the number of words Shakespeare created?

It is commonly claimed that Shakespeare created 1,700 words that are commonly used in modern English.

What should be considered when discussing the number of words attributed to Shakespeare's creation?

We should consider that some words may have been in colloquial use at the time, and Shakespeare was the first to use them in writing. Some of these words appeared earlier in less known literature, so it might be more accurate to say that he popularized these words.

Which idiom did Shakespeare first use to express 'too much of a good thing'?

The idiom 'too much of a good thing' first appeared in Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It'.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'the be-all and end-all' in its original Shakespearean context?

In its original context in 'Macbeth', 'the be-all and end-all' meant all that is needed to end all problems, with a somewhat adult and serious connotation.

What does the idiom 'come full circle' mean and where did it first appear?

The idiom 'come full circle' means that actions have gone through a series of stages and arrived back at the starting point in some way. It first appeared in 'King Lear'.

How has the meaning of some idioms and vocabulary introduced by Shakespeare evolved since his time?

Some idioms and vocabulary have evolved in meaning since Shakespeare's time. For example, 'a foregone conclusion' originally denoted a predictable outcome in 'Othello', and 'neither rhyme nor reason' has variations like 'without rhyme or reason' in modern English.

What is the origin of the idiom 'one fell swoop' and what does it mean?

The idiom 'one fell swoop' originated in 'Macbeth' and refers to an action completed rapidly and all at once, with 'fell' used in its archaic meaning of deadly.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'as luck would have it' and where did it first appear?

The idiom 'as luck would have it' indicates that something happened due to luck. It first appeared in 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'.

How did Shakespeare introduce new vocabulary into the English language?

Shakespeare introduced new vocabulary by combining existing words, using different word classes, adding affixes, and sometimes creating completely original words or giving existing words a new sense.

What is an example of a word Shakespeare created by combining two existing words?

An example is 'upstairs', which is a combination of 'up' and 'stairs'.

How did Shakespeare contribute to the English language through compound adjectives?

Shakespeare introduced compound adjectives like 'cold-hearted', 'cold-blooded', 'well-behaved', 'well-bred', 'well-educated', and 'well-read'.

What is the significance of Shakespeare's impact on the English language today?

Shakespeare's impact on the English language is significant as his works have contributed to the vocabulary and idioms that are used globally, even by non-native speakers, making English the de facto international language.

What is the moral or message that can be taken from the discussion about Shakespeare's impact on language?

The message is that by doing things we are passionate about, we can potentially have a long-lasting impact on the world around us, just as Shakespeare did with his works.