Ode to English: The language for all reasons
Summary
English is presented as a living, evolving language shaped by history, culture, and human thought. Jeffrey Kacirk’s Forgotten English revives archaic words and forgotten expressions, turning them into a playful guide to the language’s rich past.
Key Points
- English is described as a dynamic language that continually evolves with changing human needs and culture.
- The article highlights Felipe Fernández-Armesto’s view that language shapes thought and extends beyond mere communication.
- Jeffrey Kacirk’s book Forgotten English revives archaic English words and explains their meanings and origins.
- Examples such as “night hag,” “handfasting,” and “glister” illustrate how English has shed and transformed vocabulary over time.
