Episode 22: Early Germanic Grammar

We look at the grammar of the early Germanic tribes. The decreasing use of inflections is explored. Elements of modern English grammar are identified within the original Germanic language.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 22

Episode 21: Early Germanic Words

We look at the first inscription found in a Germanic language and the vocabulary of the early Germanic tribes. The impact of Grimm’s Law on the early Germanic language is examined.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 21

Bonus Episode 2: History of the Alphabet

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.

Episode 20: The Early Germanic Tribes

The first Germanic-speaking tribes emerge in northern Europe.  We explore the connection between these tribes and the original Indo-Europeans.  We then look at the expansion of the Germanic tribes into the Celtic region of central Europe and their early conflicts with the Romans.  Latin words pass into these early Germanic languages, including the dialects of the continental Anglo-Saxons.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 20

Episode 19: The Romanization of Britain

The Roman Empire emerges following the death of Julius Caesar.  Emperor Claudius sets his sights on Britain, and the native Celtic culture becomes Romanized.  We look at the evolution of Latin words related to law, money and social classes.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 19

Episode 18: Keeping Time With The Romans

We explore the origin of modern English words related to time. A direct connection is made to the calendar reforms of Julius Caesar. The etymology of English words related to time illustrate the combined influences of the Germanic languages and Latin on modern English.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 18

Episode 17: Ancient Celts and the Latin Invasion of Gaul

We look at the arrival of Celtic speaking people in Europe, and the invasion of Celtic Gaul by the Romans. Celtic is replaced by Latin in Western Europe, leading to the modern Romance languages. Celtic words in modern English are examined.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 17

17-Celtic-Expansion-3rd-century-BC

Map Prepared by Louis Henwood (Click Map for Larger Image)

Episode 16: The Rise of Rome – and Latin

We look at the rise of the Roman Republic from a small Italian city-state to the dominant political and military power of the Mediterranean. The expansion of Rome also led to the expansion of Latin which emerged as a common lingua franca.  We also explore Latin words and phrases from this period which have found their way into Modern English.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 16

Map Prepared by Louis Henwood (Click Map for Larger Image)

Map Prepared by Louis Henwood (Click Map for Larger Image)

Episode 15: Etruscans, Romans and a Modified Alphabet

The first Indo-Europeans settle into Italy, but they encounter an existing civilization known as the Etruscans.  The Etruscans borrow the alphabet from the Greeks, and soon pass it on to the Romans. Our modern alphabet finally begins to emerge.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 15