By virtue of information garnered, you will be getting informed about the 5 ways Shakespeare influenced the English Language throughout the history of Literature even up till this moment as the evidences are dispersed all over modern human expressions which are recorded in books and interviews across the internet and traditional media.
Undoubtedly, William Shakespeare, the bard of Avon, during his prime, was a very famous and powerfully influential writer and dramatist who took his time to write as many books as three writers put together in three different generations. Each of these books is a repertoire of the invention and re-creation of words and their uses.
This distinctiveness in style and language was what distinguished him and also set him apart from his peers like Marlowe and the ilks. Shakespeare’s writings thus wielded power successfully on the language use of the people who had witnessed his plays or read them. They began to use the words both in spoken and written English up to this very age.
Hence, most of the words have become household or regular words that there was no choice but to be adapted into the English lexicon!
Well, here are the 5 ways Shakespeare influenced the English Language for life and there is no escape from it:
1. Invention of Words
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. 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.
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.”
Read Also: 5 Interesting Facts About Shakespeare
2. Unique Syntax and Spelling
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.
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.
3. Creation of Idioms
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. Clarity through Metaphors
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. 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.
5. Use of Soliloquies
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.
