This course examines different stories behind the creation of English words through seven lenses: the Anglo-Saxons; the Vikings; Biblical English; English bards; Naval slang; Pronunciation, accent and dialect; and Global English. The English language is growing apace: every year English speakers are adding at least 1,000 new words to the million or so words we already have. The use of these lenses aims to help us increase our vocabulary and understanding. Is the English language a rare bloom that has become a lingua franca; or an invasive weed encroaching on other languages? This is an online course which uses Zoom video conferencing software. You can access resources and connect to the Zoom sessions via Canvas, the WEA’s virtual learning environment.
Course aim
To explore the diversity, origins and history of English words through seven lenses: the Anglo-Saxons; the Vikings; Biblical language; the Bards of England; Naval slang; Pronunciation, dialect and accent; and World English.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explore English through seven different historical lenses;
- Identify meanings and origins of words and phrases;
- Examine a timeline of language development;
- Identify the life stories of some individual words from different periods.
What else do I need to know?
It will be easier for you to use both Zoom (a live video learning platform) and Canvas (where materials, quizzes and resources can be accessed) together during sessions if you have access to a laptop, PC or tablet. You will need to be able to take notes, watch videos and download documents.
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