.png)
In our third semester at Universitas Airlangga, we begin one of the most interesting courses: The History of the English Language. This 2-credit obligatory course may appear to be simply another class on our schedule, but it actually provides a completely fresh perspective on how the language we speak today has developed and evolved throughout centuries, influenced by historical events, diverse cultures, and even literature.
The course takes us through several time periods, beginning with Old English—basically the English spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. This phase runs from roughly the 5th century to 1066, when the Norman Conquest changed everything. Back then, English was nearly unrecognizable from what we speak now, with many complex grammar rules and a vocabulary that barely resembled what we know now.
Next, we go on to Middle English (1066-1500), which was significantly affected by the French-speaking Normans who took over England. This is when many French terms appeared in English, and the syntax grew easier. We even discuss some of the literature from that era, such as Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. It's intriguing to see how English began to seem more like what we know today about this time.
Then follows Early Modern English (1500–1700), when the language truly begins to take shape. The Renaissance introduced a flood of Latin and Greek vocabulary, and the introduction of the printing press contributed to the standardization of English. This is also Shakespeare's time, which is significant in terms of language development. We spend a lot of time analyzing how his works influenced English as we know it.
By the time we get to Modern English (1700-present), we're talking about a language that is almost entirely identifiable. Here, we look at how scholars attempted to establish grammar norms for "proper English" and how British colonialism spread English over the world by adopting words from many cultures.
Finally, we get to 21st-century English, which is always developing. We address how technology, social media, and globalization have accelerated linguistic change. New words arise all the time, and regional accents and dialects receive international recognition.
What makes this course even more interesting is understanding the reasons behind the changes in the language. It’s not just about learning old grammar rules or ancient words—it’s about understanding how invasions, wars, culture, literature, and even technology have all played a part in shaping the English we speak today.
One of the coolest parts of this course is the exhibition project. Each class gets assigned a specific time period, like Old English, Middle English, or Modern English. Our job is to dig up as many resources as possible—whether that’s historical texts, visual aids, or creative presentations—and bring that period to life for our classmates and others who visit the exhibition.
The whole point of the exhibition is to make the audience feel like they’re experiencing the language in that specific era. Whether it’s presenting Old English by reading out a passage from Beowulf, explaining how French impacted Middle English, or showing how Shakespeare shaped Modern English, the goal is to engage the audience and get them excited about the history of English.
This course isn't just about research; it’s about making the language come alive. It’s a great way for us to apply what we’ve learned and to share it in a way that’s fun and interactive. Plus, it really helps us connect the dots between what we’ve been studying in class and how language actually works in the real world.
Thus, while you prepare for this course, get ready for a thrilling adventure through English history! It will not only help you appreciate the language more, but the whole learning process of History of English Language will be a highlight of your study in English Language and Literature.
Content Writer : Rani Roanliq Lamahayu
Editor : Iman Amila Fitra
Comments
Post a Comment