The Englishing of French Words; the Dialectal Words in Blunden's Poems Society for Pure English, Tract 05

An engaging exploration of how French has shaped the English tongue, this work treats language as a bustling inn where words of every origin gather and settle. Beginning with a lively portrait of the centuries‑long influx of French vocabulary, the author traces how these “guests” have moved from exotic newcomers to familiar fixtures, sometimes retaining their original spelling and pronunciation. The essay reflects on the cultural forces behind the borrowing, from medieval scholarship to diplomatic prestige, and invites listeners to consider what the French imprint reveals about English’s bold, energetic character.

The second part turns its analytical eye to the dialectal language woven through the poetry of Blunden, revealing how regional speech enriches literary expression. By juxtaposing formal French borrowings with local idioms, the discussion highlights the layered textures that give English its distinctive voice. Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of the historical currents that continue to shape everyday speech.