wots the point in learning shakespears language wen we read his books in school?

Question

its not like we're goin 2 use it and reprints have been made in modern english so its not like theres no choice

Answer 1

You should learn it so that when you hear someone say "Oh Lord! What fools these mortals be" you will know what they are saying about you.

Answer 2

Point is you are probably taking an English Literature class. The modern translation isn't the same thing. Every English Lit class I have taken has never used any modern translation, this includes high school and college. The only thing we used was a dictionary. But the text was original. Your teacher most likely will not use a modern test as you won't learn anything from it already being translated for you. It isn't so much about learning the language as it is about being able to translate some vital words. I do agree you will never use it. But you are not the first nor the last student that has or will suffer through Shakespeare. Also, if the text is translated for you, there will be nothing to discuss.

Answer 3

One of the beautiful things about Shakespears plays is the rhythm and cadence they are written in. This is so difficualt to maintain in mdoern translations, that for your first foray into Shakespear thay should be ignored. The Rythm and syntax not only add to the flow of the words but are crucial at times to ephasizing emotion and meening within passages.
Don't forget you are learning about Shakespears plays and the stories, they where written in Elizebethen English so to understand the you need to read them in Elizebethen English. When you have read them and understand them in their original context, then by all meens read a modern translation and see how it compares. You may be surprised at how much the meaning can change.

Answer 4

It's about having an education and the difference between being someone who cannot spell shakespeare and uses language like wot and wen, and someone who can quote a few lines of Shakespeare when older and who therefore appears well-educated, and a reliable sort of person.
Incidentally if you actually indulged yourself in reading some of his works you would see a sharp and observant mind at work and you might even enjoy it!!

Answer 5

You have to learn English first to improve...! A decade ago to learn English, you had to attend costly English classes or purchase course material like tapes and books. Now you can learn English for free from the comfort of your home using the Internet. The BBC and the British Council offer a number of on line courses, which teach written and spoken English. You can also improve your English by watching television programs and reading English newspapers. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/qnzpt

Answer 6

Because it shows the development of language , its a poetic and beautiful . His language brings out a deeper meaning than modern language that sometimes misses the point, In schools it's much like history to see how things were aswell as to be able to analyse and understand what he was talking about in context to the time when he was living.

Answer 7

I think that you need to learn proper grammar and spelling for the English language. Then perhaps you may be able to understand Shakespeare and appreciate his contributions.

Answer 8

To broaden your horizons; Think beyond the box. Also sense of history is learned by reading original versions. Btw, cliff notes-check into them. I hope this helps.

Answer 9

So that you can use your brain and expand your education. You need to do that since you can't even spell or write in modern English.

Answer 10

Yeah. You obviously have such a command of contemporary English, including use of a spell checker, that you have no need of further education in that area.