For decades, people have been studying Shakespeare's life and times and in recent years there has been a renewed surge of interest in aspects of his language. So how can we better understand Shakespeare? David Crystal provides a lively and original introduction to Shakespeare's language, making his plays easily accessible to modern-day audiences. Covering the five main dimensions of language structure - writing system, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and conversational style - this book demonstrates how examining these linguistic 'nuts and bolts' can help us achieve a greater appreciation of Shakespeare's linguistic creativity.
By:
David Crystal
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 215mm,
Width: 139mm,
Spine: 14mm
Weight: 400g
ISBN: 9781107617681
ISBN 10: 1107617685
Series: Canto Classics
Pages: 266
Publication Date: 29 March 2012
Audience:
College/higher education
,
A / AS level
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
1. 'You speak a language that I understand not': myths and realities; 2. 'Now, sir, what is your text?': knowing the sources; 3. 'In print I found it': Shakespearean graphology; 4. 'Know my stops': Shakespearean punctuation; 5. 'Speak the speech': Shakespearean phonology; 6. 'Trippingly upon the tongue': Shakespearean pronunciation; 7. 'Think on my words': Shakespearean vocabulary; 8. 'Talk of a noun and a verb': Shakespearean grammar; 9. 'Hear sweet discourse': Shakespearean conversation; Epilogue: 'your daring tongue': Shakespearean creativity; Appendix: an A-to-Z of Shakespeare's false friends.
Reviews for Think on my Words: Exploring Shakespeare's Language
'Here is a linguist [David Crystal] who knows not only how words work but how they work in theatre. Anyone who cares for Shakespeare will be informed and entertained by this intriguing and wide-ranging study.' Stanley Wells
