230020 The Virgin Queen and her Age: (Socio-)linguistic Aspects (S) (WiSe 2026/2027)

“The life and reign of Queen Elizabeth I are an enduring focal point of scholarly and popular interest.” (Evans 20113: 1) In this class, we will approach this contradictory and multifaceted figure in English history primarily from a historical (socio-)linguistic perspective. This will include a general introduction to historical sociolinguistics as well as to the language and the historical context of the Early Modern English period (1500-1700). We will look at the varieties of the language and the attitudes of its speakers towards it. As the language of this period looks already deceptively familiar, we will describe its structure on all levels of linguistic description, focussing on similarities and differences between present-day and Early Modern English. Finally, we will zoom in on Queen Elizabeth’s idiolect and how different aspects of her language as documented in her writings “reflect and constitute different components of her social identity” (Evans 2013: 2).

Please note that this class is linked to Dr Angela Stock’s class ''230614 The Virgin Queen: Her Life and Times', Thursdays 12-14, and you should therefore expect some (obligatory) joint sessions. You are cordially invited (as well as strongly advised) to take both classes for a full exploration of “The Virgin Queen and her Age”.

Bibliography

Evans, Mel (2013). The Language of Queen Elizabeth I: A Sociolinguistic Perspective on Royal Style and Identity. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.