The first folio of the epic poem Beowulf, written primarily in the West Saxon dialect of Old English (British Library)
Over the past millennium and a half, the language we now call English has developed its deep, rich vocabulary by liberally adding words from other languages to its Germanic core. Borrowing, however, is only part of the story of English words. Speakers creatively construct new words, and they provide new meanings for existing words.
This entertaining daylong program explores the origins of a range of English words, how words and phrases change meaning over time, and how dictionaries strive to keep up with the language’s ever-changing nature.
9:30–10:45 a.m. Unlocking the English Wordhoard
English has borrowed from French, Latin, Greek, Old Norse, Spanish, Arabic, and many other languages. How does history help explain the clusters of borrowing in particular areas of the lexicon? Consider the differences between native Germanic words and their cognates from Latin and French, as well as how challenging it is to write an English sentence without using “borrowed” words.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Tracking New Words and Meanings
How a select group of intriguing English words illustrates the various ways in which words change meaning over generations of speakers. How are words born, how do they die, and what constitutes a real word? Are some changes more acceptable than others? The evolution of English dictionaries and changing attitudes about their role and authority.
12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch (participants provide their own)
1:30–2:45 p.m. Slang, Metaphor, and Other Wordplay
Slang words show the language at its most playful. Consider slang’s social function and get snapshots of English slang at different moments in the language’s history. Contrast slang with jargon by examining the languages of sports, politics, medicine, and academia. Explore the power of metaphor to shape our language.
3–4:15 p.m. Disputed Words
Words and phrases that have drawn criticism over the past two or three centuries, from “ain’t” to “irregardless.” What is lost, for example, if “disinterested” and “uninterested” become synonyms? Is there anything wrong with using “fun” as an adjective? Examine how the history of English words can be used to inform current debates about usage.
Instructor Anne Curzan is Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of English and Linguistics and Associate Dean for Humanities at the University of Michigan.
