Shakespeare plays a major role in the development of English language and culture. His writings are rich and contains vivid imagery and memorable phrases. The works of Shakespeare has a very big impact on the development of English Language. Many of his words and phrases have become an integral part of the English language, the way we use it today.
Here is a detailed study on how Shakespeare’s writing influenced the English language:
1. Vocabulary Expansion by Shakespeare and its impact on English Language
Shakespeare’s vocabulary is extensive, varied, and innovative. He is one of the greatest wordsmiths in the English language. It is believed that he coined over 1,700 words, many of which are still in use today.
Word Invention
Shakespeare was a master of word invention. He used existing words in new and inventive ways, and he also coined new words to fit his poetic needs. Some of his most famous invented words include “eyeball,” “swagger,” “fashionable,” “uncomfortable,” and “bedroom.”
Foreign Words
Shakespeare also used of foreign words in his plays and poetry. He used words from Latin, French, and Italian, to add color and variety to his vocabulary.
For example, in Julius Caesar, he uses the Latin phrase “et tu, Brute?” meaning “you too, Brutus?” to express Caesar’s shock and betrayal.
Many of the foreign words used by Shakespeare has become part of English language that we know today.
Figurative Language by Shakespeare and its influence on English Language
Shakespeare’s vocabulary is rich in figurative language, including metaphors, similes, and personification. His use of figurative language adds depth and complexity to his writing.
For example, in Romeo and Juliet, he uses the metaphor “What light through yonder window breaks?” to describe the beauty of Juliet as she appears on her balcony.
Imagery
Shakespeare’s use of imagery is also a key component of his vocabulary. He creates powerful images through his use of descriptive language, and he uses imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.
(For example, in Macbeth, he uses the imagery of “blood”) to symbolize guilt.
Poetic Techniques
Shakespeare used poetic techniques such as alliteration, assonance, and rhyme. These techniques help to create a musical quality to his language and make it more memorable and engaging for his audiences.
Shakespeare’s ability to create new words, use foreign words and figurative language, imagery, and poetic techniques have made his writing popular and influential. His words and phrases continue to inspire and captivate readers and audiences around the world. Read more on Shakespeare’s vocabulary.
2. Standardization of English Language by Shakespeare
Shakespeare has greatly contributed to the standardization of the English language. During his time, there were many regional dialects in English. Shakespeare used a more standardized form of English in his plays and poetry, which helped to establish it as the norm.
Grammer
Shakespeare’s writing helped to standardize English grammar by establishing a more consistent use of the language. He used a more flexible approach to grammar and often employed poetic method to create unconventional sentence structures.
Spelling
Shakespeare’s writing also helped to standardize English spelling. In Elizabethan era, there were many variations of spelling for the same word. Shakespeare established a more consistent approach. For example, he used the spelling “colour” instead of “color,” which is the more common spelling in American English today.
Vocabulary
Shakespeare’s extensive vocabulary helped to standardize the English language by introducing new words and expressions, many of which are still in use today. He used existing words in new and inventive ways, and he also coined new words to fit his poetic needs.
Pronunciation
Shakespeare’s writing also helped to standardize English pronunciation. He used a consistent approach to the pronunciation of vowel sounds. It helped to establish a more standardized pronunciation system for English.
Shakespeare Influence on Print Culture and its impact on English Language
Shakespeare’s writing had a significant impact on the development of print culture in England. The printing of his plays and poetry helped to establish a standard written form of English.
Shakespeare’s writing played a significant role in the standardization of the English language. He helped to establish a more consistent and standardized approach to the language. His influence on grammar, vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation and his enduring popularity have helped to maintain this standardization over the centuries.
3. Shakespeare grammar influence on English Language
William Shakespeare writings has a big influence on English grammar. His works influenced English grammar by introducing new sentence structures and using a more flexible approach to grammar.
Shakespeare wrote during a period of linguistic change in English, when the language was transitioning from Middle English to Early Modern English. His innovative use of grammar and syntax helped to shape the English language as we know it.
Use of Blank Verse
His most significant contribution to English grammar was how he used blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). The rhythm and structure of blank verse had a significant impact on the development of English grammar. It helped to establish a standard for the use of stressed and unstressed syllables.
Inverted Word Order
Shakespeare’s use of grammar and syntax was also innovative and influential. He often used inverted word order to create emphasis or to convey a particular mood or tone. For Example
“To be or not to be, that is the question,” the subject and verb are inverted for rhetorical effect.
The use of inverted word order is now a standard feature of English grammar. Writers use it to create a poetic or dramatic effect.
Use of Pronoun
Another important aspect of Shakespeare’s grammar is his use of pronouns. He often used pronouns in ways that were not strictly grammatically correct, but that added to the poetic or dramatic effect of his writing.
For example, he used the pronoun “thou” to indicate familiarity or contempt, while “you” was used to show respect or distance.
Shakespeare’s use of pronouns established it as an indicator of social status or emotional tone. The concept is still relevant in modern English.
He also popularized many idiomatic expressions and figures of speech that are still in use today, such as “brevity is the soul of wit,” “wild-goose chase,” and “the world is my oyster.”
His contributions to English grammar are just one of the many reasons why his writing remains relevant and influential.
4. Impact of Shakespeare Literary style on English Language
William Shakespeare literary style, which was characterized by a mastery of language and a deep understanding of human nature, has had a lasting impact on English language.
Use of metaphor and symbolism
Shakespeare’s influence on English language can be seen in his use of literary techniques such as metaphor, imagery, and symbolism. He used these techniques to create vivid and powerful imagery that has remained influential in literature to this day.
For example, in his play “Macbeth,” Shakespeare uses the metaphor of “life is but a walking shadow” to describe the fleeting nature of life.
This metaphor has become a commonly used phrase in modern English, and it shows the lasting impact of Shakespeare’s literary style on the language.
Use of soliloquies and monologues
Another way that Shakespeare influenced English language is through his use of soliloquies and monologues. These speeches allowed his characters to express their innermost thoughts and emotions, which helped to create a greater sense of psychological depth in his works. This technique has been used by many other writers since Shakespeare’s time.
Character Development by Shakespeare and it’s in influence on English Language
Shakespeare’s influence on English language is also evident in his use of character development. His characters are complex and multidimensional, and their struggles and emotions are portrayed in a way that is both realistic and relatable. This approach to character development has become a fundamental part of English literature.
Shakespeare’s literary style has a profound influence on English language. His use of literary techniques such as metaphor, imagery, and character development shaped English literature.
Conclusion
Shakespeare’s writing has a very big and lasting impact on the English language. His contributions to the language through his vocabulary, grammar, literary style have influenced English literature and culture for centuries to come. The English language that we know today would not have been same if without Shakespeare.
More Info: Shakespeare writing style: WIKI