So...What is English?
English is so much more than just a class that you are "forced" to take.
It goes back thousands and thousands of years and there is so much history involved.
Take a look at the image to the right. You may find that...
#1 looks like a completely different language
#2 looks like somebody was drunk and decided to type on a typewriter
#3 may look more familiar, but still doesn't look or sound quite right
#4 now that is much better! That one is definitely English.
Well, you may be surprised to know that they are ALL English. English can be divided into three different categories in its evolution. There is: Old English (c.450–c.1150), Middle English (c.1150–c.1475), and Modern English (c.1475 - present). Line #1 comes from the very early Anglo Saxon days known as Old English. Line #2 is what is known as Middle English. Line #3 is a lot like how Shakespeare writes and it is known as Modern English. And lastly, there is line #4, which is our present English. Not yet defined or in a "category" as it is what we are using today.
English is the third most commonly used language in the world. English comes in 3rd of 6,500 spoken languages of the world today. We are fortunate enough to be able to communicate with millions of people around the planet using the same language we learn about in every class together. That is just a little amazing!
It goes back thousands and thousands of years and there is so much history involved.
Take a look at the image to the right. You may find that...
#1 looks like a completely different language
#2 looks like somebody was drunk and decided to type on a typewriter
#3 may look more familiar, but still doesn't look or sound quite right
#4 now that is much better! That one is definitely English.
Well, you may be surprised to know that they are ALL English. English can be divided into three different categories in its evolution. There is: Old English (c.450–c.1150), Middle English (c.1150–c.1475), and Modern English (c.1475 - present). Line #1 comes from the very early Anglo Saxon days known as Old English. Line #2 is what is known as Middle English. Line #3 is a lot like how Shakespeare writes and it is known as Modern English. And lastly, there is line #4, which is our present English. Not yet defined or in a "category" as it is what we are using today.
English is the third most commonly used language in the world. English comes in 3rd of 6,500 spoken languages of the world today. We are fortunate enough to be able to communicate with millions of people around the planet using the same language we learn about in every class together. That is just a little amazing!
But, why should I care? What is English/Literature for?
Literature gives us access to parts of ourselves that we would otherwise not tap into. We feel the experiences of the characters that we are, not just reading, but interacting with. We can travel across the world by simply opening a book. We can see the world through the eyes of other cultures, genders, etc. by simply opening a book. We can find the most honest conversations we could ever have by simply opening a book. We can find ourselves by simply opening a book.
My hope for you on this journey through English...
I hope you find a love for the literature that we will be reading. I hope that you realize that the whole new world books can provide for you. I hope you become a more open and accepting person because of the perspectives you experience through reading. I hope you find guidance to who you are or who you want to be through our discussions together. I hope you find how to be the best person that you can be. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy yourselves!