A Legacy of Language: How Shakespeare Helped Shape English

Did you know that William Shakespeare has a distinct presence in your daily life? Many of the words and phrases you hear-and use-in everyday conversation might have originated with him, and, therefore, you have unknowingly quoted Shakespeare! The Legacy of Language: How Shakespeare Helped Shape English is an exceptional, accessible, and engaging exploration of Shakespeare's often-unexpected impact on the development of English. It introduces you to his linguistic creativity, innovation, and profound enrichment of the language we speak today. Written for the student and general reader, it includes: - brief histories of both the Bard and the English language, - explains what Shakespeare did to shape the language, - how he did what he did, - how his innovations and inventions have come down to us, - a glossary, and- sourcebooks of over 400 words and 350 phrases that we still use today. The Legacy of Language offers an insightful examination of Shakespeare's often-neglected contributions to English, including his impact on the words, phrases, spelling, grammar, and pronunciation we use today. It provides the reader a greater awareness and appreciation of the words and phrases he bequeathed that have now become an essential part of the English language, proving that whatever else William Shakespeare has left us, his greatest gift is the legacy of language.