Written and spoken English has changed many times since Shakespeare’s day. (Pic by Andreas Praefcke )

The English Language, in all its dialects and accents, reaches far and wide across the globe. Some speak English as their first language, some their second or third.  But all have an influence on the way the English language develops and changes through the generations and across the continents.

If you are interested in the history and future of the English language, you need to visit The English Project!

To paraphrase from their ‘what we are’ page, they promote awareness and understanding of the story of the English language, past, present and future.  It is a registered charity and their flagship project is to create a visitor attraction devoted to the English language based in Winchester, Hampshire, UK.

Interesting Fact!

Did you know that “ough” can be pronounced in nine different ways. The following sentence contains them all: A rough-coated, dough-faced, thoughtful ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough; after falling into a slough, he coughed and hiccoughed.

(https://lingos.co/blog/10-strange-things-about-the-english-language/)

The project began in 2009 when the first English Language Day was launched.  This has been followed up every October since then; this year, in remembrance of World War I, the day  focused on the language of war.  Plans are already underway for next year!

The project are always looking for volunteers too so get along to www.englishproject.co.uk and find out how to get involved!