Kevin discusses the new History of the Alphabet series. An excerpt from the series is included. The history of the ‘constant consonants’ (B,D,L,M,N,P,R,T) is explored.
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The History of English Podcast
The Spoken History of a Global Language
I know this is old news, but I had hoped you would include the obsolete English letters (ash, eth, thorn), how they were created, the sound differences, and why they fell out of use.
The History of the Alphabet book focuses on the modern letters of the alphabet, but I did discuss those Old English letters in the podcast. Check out episode 36 for that discussion. Their ultimate decline was the result of the Norman Conquest and the attempt to make English confirm with the orthographic rules of French.
Seems like a mini-episode could address the ‘lost letters’, like Tsade/Tzaddi and Teth. Otherwise, strong work on the mutation of letters: an ‘elixir of memory & wisdom’
Some games may also be depending on presence of intellect and application of
approaches.
I wonder if the original “snake” version of N transformed into “fish” via a water-snake or eel? I have no idea if they lived in the area at the time (or now, to be honest); but eels certainly would seem to be a logical point of origin or transition between M’s water, and N’s later fish.
I don’t know if they made it into the Atlantic regularly at this point, but as I recall the Sargasso Sea is fairly near Gibraltar, and is a mating or spawning ground for some kind of water snake or eel, which would certainly cement the correlation between water and snakes very firmly, I would think!
It is a shame that I cannot purchase the alphabet books from outside the US since the credit card info requires a US state and zip. I was even using a USD credit card, but a Canadian address.
Enjoying the whole series a lot.
I’m not entirely sure why a Canadian address is an issue. Keep in mind that the audiobook is also available through Amazon and iTunes (or whatever it is called now). If you still can’t access it, just send an email to me ([email protected]), and I will get you a copy and you can pay directly through PayPal which should work.
Hi how can I purchase the alphabet series? Would love to support you have have a listen
The alphabet series is still available through Amazon, but the best way to access it is through Patreon. It has been included along with the many other bonus episodes at https://www.patreon.com/historyofenglish. A $5.00 monthly contribution provides full access to all of the bonus content at Patreon, and you can cancel at any time.
What is the origin of the Sanskrit alphabet and the Hebrew alphabet? I know that both are thought to have mystical origins. What is your explanation?
According to my research, all modern alphabets (with the exception of the Korean Hangul alphabet) are descended from the same original Phoenician alphabet. That certainly includes the Hebrew alphabet which is very similar to the original Phoenician alphabet, and as far as I know, that would also include the Sanskrit alphabet.
Any plans to make an Audible book available for your alphabet series?
I just started listening to your podcast a couple weeks ago and I’m loving it. I was always interested in the history of language, but not spent any real time diving into it. Now I’m enthralled. You have such a lovely way of weaving the history and etymology together (and I appreciate your recaps and reminders about things previously mentioned as you go through, since there is so much information). Where can I find the alphabet mini series now? I am listening through Audible and don’t see it there, but am having trouble finding it on your website as well. Thank you! Glad to see you’re still going strong 10 years in!
Hi Megan. Thanks for the comments about the podcast. The History of the Alphabet is available through Amazon, but it is also available as part of the Patreon feature of the podcast. For $5, you can access that series, as well as the Beowulf audiobook, and about 70 bonus episodes. You can also cancel at any time. Just click the Patreon link at the top of this page or simply click the link here: https://www.patreon.com/historyofenglish.