If you happen to be a Shakespearean actor then you might be familiar with the language, pronunciations and accents of the Elizabethan Period. Otherwise, you may have watched plays and movies with actors using the tongue of this era, and therefore, you are not at a loss on what this article is all about.
The Renaissance or Medieval Era has brought about a different kind of culture and a language that went along with it. This evolved into different forms and is at present known as the English language with all the splendor of its accent. However, the Elizabethan period’s language had a different twang to it which was quite different to how actors talk in Elizabethan period movies we see nowadays.
Authentic language, pronunciations and accents of this era can be heard in theatrical acts performed in many Renaissance Faires. Thus, these venues are the perfect schools if you wish to learn how to speak in the Elizabethan way. A word of precaution, however, you have to make sure that you learn the vocabulary and pronunciation well. You should even speak slowly.
The first steps in learning the language, pronunciations and accents of the Elizabethan period include learning how the sounds of words vary from the modern English, the terms used in addressing different people, and the vocabulary itself.
Most words from this era are pronounced with a distinct “r” sound such as when pronouncing “mother.” Other differences include:
- saying want with the “a” sounding like that of “a” in “apple”
- making sounds like “mek”
- head is “haid”
- “I” is “uh-ee”
- “mercy” is pronounced as “maircy” with a distinct and hard “r”
- “neither” is “nayther”
In addition, the Elizabethan period vocabulary is also quite interesting. Here are some examples:
- “fare-thee-well” mean “goodbye”
- ”aye” or “yea” is yes
- “nay” is “no”
- “oft” is “often”
- “wherefore” is “why”
- “morrow” means “day”
- “anon” is “until later”
- “perchance” is “maybe”
- ”prithee” or “pray” mean “please”
Celebrate and learn more about the Elizabethan Period with Renaissance costumes, props, accessories, and more at realmcollections.com.