The Adventure of English

I caught this series at episode one back in February 2005 on the History Channel, purely by accident when my Tivo "decided" that I might like it. Well, Tivo was RIGHT! Since then, I've kept it on my Tivo and watched it 3 times! Yes, 3! I didn't have ANY idea that this kind of history could be so interesting. I've even shown it to friends who agree that this show is amazing! Who knew that the English language was so embattled for so long! Sadly, by the time I watched my recording the first time, I had missed the rest of the episodes, which have not aired again since that one showing. Therefore, I've only seen the first episode -- what a tease. I would buy it all on DVD/VHS in a heartbeat if it was available (other than the $930.00 educational version!! Yeesh!) So, if anyone at the History Channel is reading this, GET US a DVD set guys!!! This series rocks!!!

I can't recommend this too highly.

Bragg is an unpretentious host as he guides us through the historical development of the English language. Many people don't know or care how or why Americans say "fore-head" while Brits say "forrid." Or why "honor" is spelled (or spellt) "honour" in the Old Country. There aren't many pivot points that can be traced to one man but that change can be.

The format is pleasant, relaxed, and undemanding. I wish it had been available when I was teaching a course in "Language and Culture" because this covers many of the same bases -- not just language but history as well.

Watch it.

Like the other reviewer, my TiVo "suggested" this for me, also. The most interesting thing about the series is how the history of the English language is nothing short of a history of Great Britian itself. From the Romans to the Vikings to the Normans, speak one sentence in English and you're very likely to unwittingly pay homage to all three cultures. The series not a dry examination of disassociated English words. It's a fantastic story of a people, their contributions to the language, and how their relationships to each other helped shape what is today the universal language of communication. That a DVD priced for private audiences is not available is inexplicable. I have never bought a DVD of a documentary before, but would not hesitate to buy this set were it reasonably priced for the private consumer.

I've enjoyed watching this program on the History Channel, here in the US. It is now being rebroadcast (10/1/06), beginning, oddly, with the Norman Invasion.

Being multilingual, I do enjoy the emphasis upon WORDS by Melvyn Bragg. Particularly helpful is the provision of the background historical context. The section on the English bible was enjoyed.

Missing are other aspects of language, such as changes in grammar, syntax, punctuation, et cetera. Notably glossed over is the "great vowel shift" which made Chaucer's English sound more familiar to our modern ears. During the time of Chaucer, vowels were pronounced differently, but with the changes that came afterwards, words took on sounds familiar to us today.

All in all, however, an enjoyable program. While I wish it was on DVD, there is a book available.

Of course, it is. But that does not subtract from this most excellent series. No matter how much you know about the history of English you can learn something new looking at it from a different dimension.

The presenter, Melvyn Bragg, take us through all 8 episodes, each episode has a unique angle on English, including how William Shakespeare added 2,000 words to the language.

The only caution is they make a few mistakes here and there which undermines the information your faith in what you do not know. However, I will take my chances. The only other complaint is I could have stood more subtitles.

I knew a lot of German was in English. Yet I was surprised how much of it is French. The advantage of DVD over the book is we get to see what all the buildings looked like inside and out.

I do not want to go too much into detail as I think you will be amazed and enthralled with the new insights.

This leaves us with the words of Henry Higgins of My Fair Lady" (1964), "Why can't the English learn to speak?" They need to go to California for proper training. This presentation is over two decades old, and English has changed as fast as the technology.

You will need to buy it as each time you watch it you will see something new.