The History of English Podcast - Bonus Episode 1 Summary
Release Date: September 19, 2012
Host: Kevin Stroud
Introduction and Purpose
In the inaugural bonus episode of The History of English Podcast, host Kevin Stroud steps away from the standard episodic format to provide listeners with essential updates, address frequently asked questions, and share insights about the podcast's future direction. This episode serves as a bridge between regular content, offering a deeper connection with the audience and outlining upcoming projects.
Kevin Stroud [00:00]: "Hi, everyone, this is Kevin Stroud from the History of English podcast. This is a bonus episode. I just wanted to use this opportunity to give you a quick couple of updates related to the podcast and also answer a few questions that I've been receiving."
Expressing Gratitude and Podcast Growth
Stroud begins by expressing heartfelt gratitude towards his listeners, noting the podcast's remarkable growth and its ranking among top history podcasts on iTunes. This acknowledgment not only fosters a sense of community but also highlights the podcast's increasing influence and reach.
Kevin Stroud [00:48]: "There are many days where this podcast is ranked in the top 10, and sometimes even the top five history podcasts on iTunes. And I really, again want to thank all of you for listening to this, and I hope you're finding it enjoyable and entertaining."
Website Enhancements and Resources
Addressing listener inquiries, Stroud provides an update on the podcast's website, historyofenglishpodcast.com. Initially hesitant to promote the site due to its incomplete state, he announces significant improvements, including a dedicated Resources page. This page lists over a hundred books and materials that Stroud utilizes, offering listeners avenues to delve deeper into topics of interest.
Kevin Stroud [02:45]: "I have dozens and dozens, probably over a hundred different books and resources that I use. And so what I've started doing is on the website, you'll see a link to a page called Resources."
Furthermore, each podcast episode now has its own webpage featuring a brief summary and access to download the episode. Stroud hints at future enhancements, such as more detailed content and specific resource listings per episode, enhancing the website's utility as a comprehensive companion to the podcast.
Upcoming Listener's Guide Project
One of the standout announcements in this bonus episode is Stroud's plan to create a "Listener's Guide to the History of English." This guide aims to compile his extensive notes, episode scripts, and additional information into a structured written format. The project is divided into four volumes:
- Volume One: Covers the history of English from its Indo-European origins through the Anglo-Saxon migration to Britain, encompassing the pre-English period.
- Volume Two: Focuses on Old English.
- Volume Three: Delves into Middle English.
- Volume Four: Explores Modern English.
Stroud envisions each podcast episode corresponding to a chapter in the guide, presented in a traditional ebook or printed book format. This initiative caters to listeners seeking a more tangible and organized resource alongside the auditory experience.
Kevin Stroud [06:25]: "What that is. I've gotten questions again about some of the specific things I've talked about, and people wanted more information about it. And so what I'm going to do is actually compile a lot of my notes and episode scripts and various other information that I have into one complete written volume."
He also mentions the possibility of charging a nominal fee for the guide to help offset podcast-related costs, signaling a potential new avenue for supporting the podcast's sustainability.
Clarifying Credentials and Expertise
A significant portion of the episode addresses questions regarding Stroud's qualifications. He openly admits that he is not a professional linguist or historian but an attorney by trade. Despite this, his passion for the English language and its history is evident.
Kevin Stroud [09:00]: "I am not a professional linguist. I am not a professional historian. I am by trade, I am an attorney."
Stroud elaborates on his academic background, mentioning his studies under Professor Walt Wolfram at North Carolina State University, a renowned expert on American regional dialects. This mentorship played a crucial role in sparking his interest in language history, providing a foundational understanding despite his primary career in law.
Kevin Stroud [11:15]: "In fact, I had the opportunity to study under Walt Wolfram at North Carolina State University. And Professor Wolfram is really one of the leading experts on American regional dialects."
He emphasizes that while the podcast delves into linguistic topics, the primary focus remains historical, with an increasing emphasis on historical narratives over linguistic and grammatical discussions in future episodes.
Addressing Listener Questions
Clarification on the Basque Language
Listener Russell raised a concern about Stroud's portrayal of the Basque language in Episode 3, where it appeared to be categorized incorrectly. Stroud acknowledges the confusion, clarifying that Basque is not a Uralic language but an isolated language spoken in Northern Spain. He also distinguishes it from other Uralic languages like Hungarian, Finnish, and Estonian.
Kevin Stroud [13:30]: "Basque is spoken in Northern Spain. It is not a Uralic language. It's really an isolated language."
Pronunciation Changes in the Word "Child"
Frank's question delved into the historical pronunciation changes of the word "child." Specifically, he inquired about the shift from "child" to "children," noting the difference in vowel sounds.
Stroud provides a thoughtful, albeit tentative, explanation. He discusses the complexities of Old English dialects, particularly the West Saxon dialect, and the challenges in pinning down exact vowel pronunciations due to regional variations. He references the Great Vowel Shift—a significant series of changes in English pronunciation that began in the late Middle English period—as a likely factor influencing the shift from "child" to "children."
Kevin Stroud [17:45]: "It's very likely that what happened during the Great Vowel Shift is that the word child shifted from child to child, but children, for whatever reason, did not completely make that shift."
Stroud admits the limitations of his research on this specific query but invites listeners with more information to contribute, fostering an interactive and collaborative community.
Kevin Stroud [20:00]: "If others of you have more information, feel free to send it to me, and I do want to invite you from time to time. If you have comments or questions about the podcast, feel free to contact me."
Invitation for Continued Engagement
Stroud concludes the bonus episode by encouraging listeners to stay engaged, reminding them of his availability for questions and comments via email. He hints at future bonus episodes addressing listener inquiries, ensuring that the podcast remains responsive to its audience's interests and curiosities.
Kevin Stroud [21:30]: "From time to time, if I do get questions, I'll probably do additional bonus episodes and try to address them. And again though, thank you all for listening and stay tuned for the next episode, which will be released in a few days."
Conclusion
Bonus Episode 1 of The History of English Podcast serves as a pivotal moment, bridging content delivery with community engagement. Kevin Stroud's transparent communication about the podcast's progress, his forthcoming projects, and his willingness to address listener questions underscores his dedication to providing a comprehensive and interactive exploration of the English language's history. This episode not only updates the audience but also lays the groundwork for future expansions and deeper dives into the rich tapestry of English linguistic evolution.