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 10: Early Indo-European Migrations

The emergence of the first Indo-Europeans and the early migrations of these steppe herders is examined.  The specific advantages favoring the expansion of these people is explored in detail.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 10

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

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

Episode 9: Who Were the Indo-Europeans?

The evidence is examined to determine when and where the original Indo-Europeans lived.  Based upon this evidence, the probable identity of the first Indo-Europeans is revealed.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 9

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

Episode 8: Indo-European Grammar (Where have all the inflexions gone?)

The grammar of the original Indo-European language is compared to Modern English. We explore the word endings called ‘inflexions’ which were a prominent feature of the original Indo-European language.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 8

Episode 7: More Indo-European Words

We complete our review Indo-European words which have impacted modern English.  Social terms are explored to provide an insight into Indo-European society and culture.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 7

Episode 6: Indo-European Words

A look at words used by the original Indo-Europeans and the clues such words provide to the identity of the first Indo-Europeans.  The etymology of modern English words is explored in relation to the original Indo-European words.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 6

Episode 5: Centum, Satem and the Letter C

A look at the early division of the Indo-European languages into the Centum and Satem languages.  The sound shift which marks the division of the Centum and Satem languages is then explored in the context of the modern English letter ‘C’. The history of the letter C is presented from its Greek origins to its modern usage.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 5

Episode 3: The Indo-European Family Tree

A look at the family tree of Indo-European languages and the relationship of English to those related languages. The closest relatives of English are highlighted, including the Germanic languages, Latin and Greek. We explore the background of English from the first Indo-Europeans to the first Anglo-Saxons in Britain.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 3

Click Map for Larger Image

Click Map for Larger Image