Language and History

Do we really know what Chaucer's poetry sounded like? Professor Simon Horobin introduces evidence that gives us an insight into the history of English pronunciation and explores what it tells us about how and why changes in language take place. 

Professor Charlotte Brewer introduces the methodology behind the creation of the OED and how current activity to update the Dictionary may reveal new evidence about Shakespeare's impact on the English Language. 

Language is alive. It shifts and changes; pronunciations and spellings morph throughout time. English is no exception.

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The English language is spoken by millions of people around the world, and despite that fact, it remains relatively fluid. Because it’s so adaptable, who knows what the future will hold in store for English? On today's Please Explain, we’ll attempt to find out with Simon Horobin, ...  Show more

This 2016 episode covers the living and evolving nature of language. It shifts and changes; pronunciations and spellings morph throughout time. English is no exception.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

There are many different English accents, does that make English difficult?