Duration: 15 mins
Published on: Wednesday 22nd June 2011
Introductory Level
Short and small-sized video from The Open University UK.
Ideal for iPods/iPhones/smartphones, but you can watch it on computer as well.
10 video + transcripts (MP4 & PDF)
Duration: 15 mins
Published on: Wednesday 22nd June 2011
1. Anglo-Saxon
A look at what words the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings bought to the English language.
2. The Norman Conquest
In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded Britain and bought with him fancy French words to add to the English language.
3. Shakespeare
This video tells us that Shakespeare invented over 2000 new words and phrases like eyeball, anchovy and puppy.
4. The King James Bible
Illustrating that in 1611, the new King James Bible was created and gave us many famous phrases.
5. The English of Science
In the 17th Century, new science words were being created like acid, ovary and tonsil.
6. English and Empire
Exploring how the British Empire spread across the world bringing back many new words and phrases.
7. The Age of the Dictionary
A look at how lexicographers started creating the Dictionary of the English Language to ensure that everyone spelt words correctly and knew their correct definition.
8. American English
Learn about American-English and how some American words were actually English to start with.
9. Internet English
Exploring the expansion of internet language, with abbreviations like lol and btw.
10. Global English
The future of English and the many hybrids that have been created. Should we still call it English?
