The Problems of Shakespeare's Language For Students

The text discusses the challenges students face when encountering Shakespeare's language. It highlights the linguistic differences between modern English and Shakespearean English, including grammatical shifts and vocabulary changes. Shakespeare's extensive vocabulary, potentially exceeding 20,000 words, is contrasted with the average person's vocabulary. The text also touches on the difficulty of translating Shakespeare into modern English due to the unique nature of his language.

Asosiy mavzular

  • Linguistic Differences: Explores the evolution of the English language and the variations between Shakespeare's time and the present day. Includes grammatical changes and shifts in vocabulary that make Shakespearean English challenging for modern readers.
  • Shakespeare's Vocabulary: Focuses on the size and complexity of Shakespeare's vocabulary. Compares it to the vocabularies of his contemporaries and modern individuals, emphasizing the sheer number of words Shakespeare used and possibly invented.
  • Translation Difficulties: Addresses the challenges in translating Shakespeare's works into modern English. Points out that Shakespeare's language was unique, making direct translation difficult and often resulting in a loss of the original meaning and artistic flair.