Alfred and the English Language
The English Language: A legacy of King Alfred
The English Language: A legacy of King Alfred
King Alfred has a special place in the history of English because he was the first to make it a ‘learned’ language and to give it a form which became standard across the land. It gained a status and cultural presence in society which was unprecedented and formed a key part of Alfred’s drive to promote learning and the acquisition of ‘wisdom’ as an important activity.
Introduction
Introduction
Meet Harry Bailey, medieval tavern keeper, born and bred in London:
‘I am the Host of the Tabard Inn here in Southwark. You might have heard of me from a mate of mine, Geoffrey Chaucer. Like him, I have some stories to tell.’
- How old is Old English?
2. English comes to Britannia
2. English comes to Britannia
3. Why is English called English?
3. Why is English called English?
4. A First Standard English
4. A First Standard English
5. English Receives a Setback
5. English Receives a Setback
6. Abbot Walter de Gaston's English
6. Abbot Walter de Gaston's English
7. Pleading for the English Language
7. Pleading for the English Language
8. Lord and Lady English
8. Lord and Lady English
9. Vowel Shifts and Vowel Problems
9. Vowel Shifts and Vowel Problems
10. Warwickshire Broad to London Clipped
10. Warwickshire Broad to London Clipped