The History of English Podcast: Episode 171 - Shakespeare’s English (Featuring Ben Crystal)

Host: Kevin Stroud
Guest: Ben Crystal
Release Date: October 9, 2023

Introduction

In Episode 171 of The History of English Podcast, host Kevin Stroud delves into the intricate craftsmanship of William Shakespeare's use of the English language. Recognized as the greatest English writer, Shakespeare's eloquence simultaneously captivates and perplexes modern audiences. Stroud seeks to unravel why Shakespearean English remains both revered and challenging for contemporary speakers.

Shakespeare as a Language Innovator

00:10 – 10:00

Stroud opens the episode by addressing the duality of Shakespeare's legacy: unparalleled literary genius paired with linguistic complexity. He posits that Shakespeare's ability to innovate within a then-flexible English language contributed to both his enduring fame and the modern-day struggles to comprehend his work. The Elizabethan era's linguistic fluidity provided Shakespeare with a playground to experiment, leading to the creation of new words and phrases.

• Quote:
  “He was a language innovator and creator of new words and phrases.” – Kevin Stroud [00:45]

Stroud emphasizes that Shakespeare wasn't just a playwright but a "playful writer" who exploited the lack of rigid linguistic rules, allowing his lines to resonate rhythmically rather than merely conveying literal meanings.

The Flexibility of Elizabethan English

10:01 – 35:49

The episode transitions into an exploration of the state of English during Shakespeare's time. The Elizabethan period was marked by a burgeoning vocabulary influenced by Norse, French, Latin, and Greek languages. This expansion spurred debates, such as the Inkhorn Debate, where scholars contested the use of obscure, learned terms versus plain speech.

• Quote:
  “With respect to the vocabulary of English, it had been expanding for centuries...” – Kevin Stroud [12:30]

Stroud likens the pre-standardized language to a "ball of play dough," highlighting its pliability which Shakespeare masterfully exploited. This freedom extended to grammar and syntax, allowing for creative word arrangement that served both rhythm and meaning.

Vocabulary and Word Creation

35:50 – 57:44

Shakespeare's inventive use of vocabulary is a focal point, with Stroud pointing out that Shakespeare utilized every register of English—from lofty Latin terms to local dialects. While it's often claimed that Shakespeare coined over 10,000 words, Stroud clarifies that modern scholarship estimates the number to be over a thousand, acknowledging that many were variations or adaptations of existing terms.

• Quote:
  “Modern scholars think he may have coined over a thousand new words during his lifetime.” – Kevin Stroud [25:15]

He illustrates how Shakespeare manipulated prefixes and suffixes to fit the rhythmic structure of his plays, thereby creating words like "uncomfortable" from "comfortable" and "grovel" from "groveling."

Grammar and Syntax Innovations

57:45 – 65:02

Shakespeare's flexibility extended to grammar and syntax, where he often deviated from contemporary norms to suit poetic and performative needs. Stroud explains that sentence structures were more malleable, allowing for double negatives, varied word orders, and creative verb forms.

• Quote:
  “Shakespeare could say more better or most quickest without a grammarian criticizing him.” – Kevin Stroud [30:50]

This linguistic creativity enabled Shakespeare to maintain the iambic pentameter's rhythm, ensuring that the delivery was both fluid and engaging for the audience.

Pronunciation and Original Pronunciation (OP)

65:03 – 56:11

A significant portion of the episode features Ben Crystal, a leading expert on Shakespeare's Original Pronunciation (OP). Crystal discusses how reconstructing Elizabethan pronunciation provides deeper insights into Shakespeare's works and enhances modern performances.

• Quote:
  “They're allowing more of themselves into the parts and... the right sound for Shakespeare is your sound because you want to speak it.” – Ben Crystal [44:34]

Crystal explains the methodologies used to deduce OP, including analyzing rhymes, spellings in the First Folio, and contemporary dictionaries. He highlights how OP differs from Received Pronunciation (RP), the "posh" English accent often associated with Shakespeare today.

• Quote:
  “Original pronunciation makes the plays more relatable to modern audiences and makes them feel more real in a lot of ways.” – Kevin Stroud [51:07]

Crystal further elaborates on how OP affects the rhythm and emotional delivery of Shakespearean lines, making performances more visceral and emotionally engaging.

Impact of OP on Modern Performances

56:12 – 65:37

The discussion moves to the practical implications of using OP in theatrical productions. Crystal shares his experiences teaching actors worldwide to adopt OP, noting that it fosters authenticity and emotional connection in performances.

• Quote:
  “The feedback generally is one of connecting and engaging with the audience in a more sort of grounded and visceral emotional level.” – Ben Crystal [51:46]

Stroud and Crystal touch upon how OP shortens the running time of plays and enhances the clarity of Shakespeare's intended meaning. They also discuss how embracing OP allows for diverse accents to coexist, democratizing Shakespearean performance beyond the confines of RP.

Everyday Shakespeare Lines for Life

57:45 – 65:37

Ben Crystal introduces his latest collaborative work with his father, David Crystal, titled Everyday Shakespeare Lines for Life. This book aims to bridge the gap between Shakespeare's eloquent expressions and contemporary language by selecting relatable quotes applicable to daily life.

• Quote:
  “These works can be a really wonderful, safe sandbox to try out saying things...” – Ben Crystal [58:13]

The book features accessible lines from lesser-known plays and encourages readers to incorporate Shakespearean phrases into everyday conversations, promoting emotional expression and verbal eloquence.

Conclusion

Kevin Stroud wraps up the episode by summarizing the profound impact of Shakespeare's linguistic innovations and the ongoing relevance of his work. By understanding the flexibility and creativity embedded in Elizabethan English, modern audiences can better appreciate and engage with Shakespeare's masterpieces.

• Closing Quote:
  “So whether you're a seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast or someone newly discovering his plays, embracing original pronunciation and the rich linguistic tapestry he wove can transform your experience.” – Kevin Stroud [Closing Remarks]

Stroud teases future episodes that will continue to explore Shakespeare's influence and the evolution of English, ensuring listeners remain engaged in the dynamic history of the language.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Shakespeare's linguistic prowess, the historical context of Elizabethan English, and the transformative potential of original pronunciation in modern performances. Through insightful discussions and expert contributions, Stroud and Crystal illuminate the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's English.