how can i understand the archaic english language used in shakespear's plays?

Answer 1

Although you refer to Shakespeare's language as archaic, it's actually the same language we speak today, Modern English, but his writing is considered Early Modern English: and is often used as the marker for the beginning of Modern English. Before that Middle English was spoken.

You'll need a good dictionary as well as a 'guide/reference book' to help you understand Shakespeare, as he wrote in prose, although today many of these words don't appear to rhyme today due to a 'shift' in English vowels (i.e. pronunciation) since then.

The main 'problem' with understanding Shakespeare is that he INVENTED many new words, of which half actually made it into the English language. This is really amazing as most words invented by individuals aren't absorbed into the general language. But of course, there's the problem of the other half of his invented words that never were used again ... that's where a good dictionary, preferably on historical themes, will come in handy as it will show 'dead words'.

Also, some words he used have undergone 'semantic shift' i.e. they have changed their meaning, so you'll need the dictionary again to see what a particular word meant at the time Shakespeare used it.

Good luck and enjoy ..... it's worth the effort. :-)

Answer 2

Well there are two answers here. First, if you like good stories but arent so hot on language, read more fantasy novels -- you will learn through osmosis.

Second, watch more Shakespeare plays -- movies etc. His stuff wasnt meant to be read, it was meant to be heard. Seeing it, you see the humour on the actors faces, you see the movements that go with the words... and all of a sudden, it will mean much more to you.

Last, there are "complete works" out there, that have two columns, the orignial language in one, and the meaning in the other.

Use all of them, and before you know it you'll get it!

Answer 3

Whatever you do, DON'T read the text as you would an everyday reading book or a newspaper.....You have to take each bit of writing word by word not sentence by sentence, and what you read is NOT always literal, it might be a medephore for another meaning

Exsample
WHY THUS THOU LED THESE MEN AMONG THE STREETS? IS IT A HOLIDAY?
Translation
WHY ARE THESE PEOPLE ROAMING AROUND HERE? IS THERE A PARTY GOING ON?

Just read everything slowly and again read it word by word not sentence by sentence or it wont make sense.....
I LOVE SHAKESPHERE, Especially Julius Ceasar & Othello.....if you need help with the language or anything else about those two plays, I am your expert!!!

Answer 4

'The New Folger Library' editions by Washington Square Press/Pocket Books include 'translations' for particular words on the left side page. It's not a full, word or word translation. It's just a little dictionary for each page. It's super easy to read that way. Other editions may have these too. Eventually you learn the words and you don't need to check the left hand page as often.