No More Invasions

By about 1200, the Kingdoms of England and France had ceased to be one unit. The use of Old English came back, but with many French words added. This language is called Middle English, the language of the poet Chaucer (about 1340-1400). He has been called the greatest English poet before Shakespeare. It is difficult for even English-speakers to read and understand his writings well.

This 'Middle English' was very different in different parts of the country, and of course travel was limited in those days. But another big revolution was coming – the printing press. Just as radio, television, video, and computers, have changed communication in our time, so did printing after about 1500 AD. Now there was a common language in print, as well as access to the old languages of Latin and Greek.

Answer the following questions:

1. What language is called Middle English?

2. Is it difficult to understand this language?

3. What is the main characteristic of this language?

4. What could you say about the big revolution of this period?

Shakespeare

Now came the 'Renaissance' in Europe – a time of great advance of learning and culture. By this time, English was not very different from the English used today. And the most famous person to write in English in this period was William Shakespeare (1564-1616). His insight into human nature, and his gift for using words, make him possibly the most famous playwright of all time! Having in his hands such a new rich language must have helped him too. Shakespeare gave the English language many phrases and sayings, which English speakers still use every day. Often, they do not realise these words came from Shakespeare's plays or poems!

Do you know some of these (translate into Russian):

'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet' (Romeo and Juliet)

"If music be the food of love, play on and give me excess." (12th Night)

"Of one who loved not wisely but too well."(Othello)

"All our yesterdays.." (Macbeth)

"Out, out brief candle."(Macbeth)

"To be or not to be..." (Hamlet, Prince of Denmark)

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