The Surprising Adventure of English

Travel through more than 1500 years of English language history-a history full of twists, turns, and fascinating events. We will watch an eight-part British TV series titled, The Adventure of English. Our study will be supplemented by presentations, additional videos, class discussions, games, and puzzles. Discover fun facts such as: For over 300 years the language of the English court and judiciary was French; English kings spoke no English! Bubonic plague (the "black death") helped save the English language. A criminally insane murderer was one of the creators of the Oxford English Dictionary. A little blue book that sold for 14 cents a copy was one of the most influential books in the history of English. English shares roots with ancient languages such as Sanskrit. The original meaning of "girl" was a child, either a boy or a girl. Benjamin Franklin came up with over 200 colorful phrases for being drunk, including, "he ate a toad and a half for breakfast," and "he sees two moons." Let's learn about the fascinating history of English and have fun doing it!

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