William Shakespeare, often regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language, has left an indelible mark on literature, theater, and the English language itself. His works—plays, sonnets, and poems—continue to be studied, performed, and revered worldwide. However, one fundamental question often arises: in what language did Shakespeare write? While the answer may seem obvious to some, given that Shakespeare’s works are widely available in English, understanding the nuances of the language he used provides a deeper appreciation of his genius. This article delves into the language of Shakespeare, exploring the form of English he employed, the linguistic influences of his time, and how his writing shaped and reflected the evolving language of England.
Introduction: The Language of Shakespeare’s Time
Shakespeare was born in 1564 in England, during the late 16th century, a period marked by significant political, cultural, and linguistic changes. The English language during this time was in a transitional phase, as it evolved from Middle English to Early Modern English, the form that we are familiar with today. This period of linguistic change provided Shakespeare with a rich linguistic landscape, and his writing reflects the dynamic nature of the English language.
Shakespeare’s language is often categorized as Early Modern English, but it is important to note that the language he used was not the same as the English we speak today. While modern readers can generally understand Shakespeare’s works with little difficulty, there are notable differences in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and syntax that set his language apart from contemporary English. To fully grasp the language of Shakespeare, it is necessary to explore the context of his writing and the characteristics of Early Modern English.
1. Early Modern English: The Transition from Middle English
The 16th century, when Shakespeare was writing, was a time of great linguistic change. The English language was transitioning from Middle English, which had been spoken from roughly 1150 to 1500, to Early Modern English, the language we recognize today. Middle English itself was a complex amalgamation of Old English, Norman French, and Latin influences. The Norman Conquest of 1066 introduced a significant number of French words into the English language, and Latin was the dominant language of the church and scholarly learning.
By the time Shakespeare was born, English had undergone substantial changes in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. The Great Vowel Shift, which occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, dramatically altered the pronunciation of vowels, making the language sound different from its medieval predecessors. This shift is one of the key factors that distinguish Early Modern English from both its Middle English and contemporary forms.
Shakespeare’s writing, while firmly rooted in the vernacular of his time, showcases the flexibility and richness of Early Modern English. He employed a wide range of linguistic techniques, including wordplay, puns, and inventive metaphors, which were possible due to the evolving nature of the language. His ability to manipulate the English language and expand its expressive possibilities was one of the hallmarks of his writing.
2. The Vocabulary of Shakespeare’s Language
One of the most striking features of Shakespeare’s language is his extensive and varied vocabulary. While Shakespeare is often credited with coining many words, it is important to note that he did not always invent entirely new terms; rather, he frequently adapted existing words or used them in innovative ways. Shakespeare’s works are filled with linguistic creativity, as he borrowed from Latin, French, and other languages, and he often employed archaic or regional words that were not commonly used in his time.
Shakespeare’s vocabulary is vast, and he is estimated to have used over 20,000 different words in his plays and poems. Some of these words are familiar to us today, while others have fallen out of common use. For example, Shakespeare famously coined words like “bedazzled,” “swagger,” and “eyeball,” and he used these words in ways that made them resonate with his audience. His ability to create new words and expressions has contributed to his lasting influence on the English language.
Shakespeare’s use of vocabulary also reflects the linguistic diversity of his time. During the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in classical languages, especially Latin and Greek, which contributed to the enrichment of the English lexicon. Shakespeare drew on these languages extensively, incorporating Latin phrases, classical allusions, and borrowed words into his writing. For example, his play Julius Caesar contains numerous references to Roman history and mythology, and his works often feature characters with names derived from classical sources.
The influence of French on Shakespeare’s vocabulary is also evident, as many French words were introduced into English during the Renaissance, particularly in the realms of law, diplomacy, and the arts. Shakespeare’s plays, particularly those set in foreign locales like Henry V and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, often include French phrases and references to French culture, demonstrating the international scope of his vocabulary.
3. The Grammar and Syntax of Shakespeare’s English
In addition to his vocabulary, Shakespeare’s use of grammar and syntax reveals important aspects of the language he employed. While his English is still recognizable as Early Modern, it differs from modern English in several key ways, including word order, verb conjugation, and the use of pronouns.
One of the most noticeable features of Shakespeare’s grammar is his use of word order. While contemporary English generally follows a subject-verb-object word order, Shakespeare often experimented with inversion, placing the subject or object before the verb for poetic effect. For example, in Macbeth, the famous line “Out, out brief candle!” inverts the typical order of words for dramatic emphasis. This inversion of syntax was a common stylistic device in Early Modern English, particularly in poetry and dramatic writing.
Shakespeare also employed a variety of verb forms that are no longer in use today. For example, he used the archaic “thou” and “thee” for the singular second-person pronoun, whereas modern English uses “you” for both singular and plural forms. In addition, the verb endings for the second-person singular (“-est” and “-eth”) were used more frequently in Shakespeare’s time. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, we find lines like “Thou art more lovely and more temperate,” where “art” is the second-person singular form of “to be.”
The use of pronouns in Shakespeare’s language also differs from modern usage. In Early Modern English, there were distinct forms for both the singular and plural second-person pronoun, and the plural form “ye” was used in certain contexts, even when addressing one person. These differences in pronouns were common during Shakespeare’s time and were gradually replaced by the modern “you” in subsequent centuries.
4. Shakespeare’s Influence on the English Language
While Shakespeare’s language may seem distant from our own, his impact on the English language is immeasurable. He is often credited with significantly enriching the language, coining new words, and introducing new expressions that have become commonplace today. Many of the words and phrases Shakespeare introduced into the English language are still in use, some 400 years after his death.
Some of the words Shakespeare is credited with coining include “bump,” “lonely,” “bedazzled,” and “gloomy.” He also introduced a vast array of idiomatic expressions that have become integral to the English language, such as “break the ice,” “wild-goose chase,” and “heart of gold.” These phrases continue to be used by speakers of English around the world, a testament to Shakespeare’s enduring influence.
Moreover, Shakespeare’s ability to manipulate language and experiment with different forms of expression has inspired generations of writers, poets, and playwrights. His use of metaphor, wordplay, and puns has been widely admired and imitated, and his works have shaped the development of both written and spoken English.
Shakespeare’s contribution to the English language extends beyond vocabulary and expression. He also played a key role in shaping the structure and style of the English dramatic tradition. His use of verse and prose, his mastery of soliloquy, and his complex character development have influenced countless playwrights and screenwriters throughout history. His ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and to reflect the complexities of society through language continues to resonate with audiences and readers.
5. Shakespeare’s Legacy: Language and Modern English
The English language continues to evolve, and Shakespeare’s contributions remain relevant to modern speakers and writers. His influence on the development of English is not only linguistic but also cultural. The way we use language today—whether in formal speech, creative writing, or everyday conversation—has been shaped by Shakespeare’s works.
While contemporary English has undergone significant changes since Shakespeare’s time, his language continues to be a source of inspiration and a reminder of the potential of the English language to capture the complexity of human experience. Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets offer a rich repository of linguistic creativity, and his works remain an essential part of the English literary canon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English, a language that reflects the transitional period in English history. His works, filled with inventive vocabulary, creative use of grammar and syntax, and profound insight into human nature, have had a lasting impact on the English language. While the language Shakespeare used may differ from the English we speak today, his contributions to the development of the language are undeniable.
Shakespeare’s ability to manipulate language, expand its possibilities, and explore the depths of human emotion through words has made his works timeless. The language of Shakespeare remains one of the most enduring aspects of his legacy, and it continues to inspire and influence writers, poets, and speakers of English across the world. The richness and diversity of the language Shakespeare employed not only reflects the linguistic landscape of his time but also serves as a bridge to the present, linking us to the past and ensuring that his words will continue to resonate for generations to come.
