The Story of English

The Story of English is a PBS documentary series detailing the development of the English language. The series consists of nine episodes and is directed by William Cran, written and presented by Robert MacCrum and Robert MacNeil. The series tells the history of the English language from its Anglo-Saxon origins some two thousands years ago to the present day, when English is used as the language of choice for technology, diplomacy, business and popular culture for many nations.

1) The Story of English - An English Speaking World



An English Speaking World is said to explore the development of modern English, and it illustrates English as the language of choice for technology, diplomacy, business and popular culture for many nations.


2) The Story of English - The Mother Tongue



Surveys the history of the English language from the Anglo-Saxon invasion and its impact on the language to the Norman French influence on Chaucer and the English language as a whole.


3) The Story of English - A Muse of Fire



Shows the enormous influences that Shakespeare (diction of common life) and the King James Bible had on the development of the English language. The King James Bible, translated by a committee, had more influence than Shakespeare.


4) The Story of English - The Guid Scots Tongue



The Guid Scots Tongue traces the influence of Scottish and Irish Gaelic on the English language.


5) The Story of English - Black on White



Probes the roots of Black English, including the American slave trade, plantation life, the Creole influence, and Harlem's jive talk. Discusses influence of this variety of English on white American speech and literature, particularly that of the south.


6) The Story of English - Pioneer O Pioneer



Describes the evolution of American English from the Revolutionary War through the 1920s and the contribution of slang terms from segments of the population along with the influence of 1900s immigrants.


7) The Story of English - Muvver Tongue



Discusses Cockney English and its influence on Australian and New Zealand English. Plays a lot on the idea of English in exile.


8) The Story of English - The Loaded Weapon



Discusses the influence of Irish Gaelic on the English language in Ireland and the cultural and political differences with England.


9) The Story of English - Next Year's Words



Explores the use of English in the languages of other countries and provides samples of Pidgin English, patois and numerous other dialects of English, including Barbados English.


Related Links
The Adventure of English