Shakespeare’s Dramatic Use of the English Language: An Introduction for EFL Learners
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) remains the most celebrated writer in the English language. His plays and sonnets enriched our vocabulary, with words and idioms from his plays that have shaped modern English. For EFL learners, exploring his work offers an engaging way to learn new words, understand cultural references, and practise expressive speech. This guide breaks down key facts, famous plays, invented words, popular phrases, quotations, the authorship question, and reasons why Shakespeare still matters for English language learners today.
Shakespeare is known not only for his captivating plays but also for transforming the English language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced English learner, exploring his work can offer inspiring insights into language, culture, and creativity. Read on to discover key facts about Shakespeare, learn about his dramatic style, and see how his legacy shapes everyday English, helping you to master the language in a truly engaging way.
Key Facts About Shakespeare
- Born: April 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, England (exact date unknown, but traditionally celebrated on 23 April)
- Died: 23 April 1616 (aged 52)
- Legacy: 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and a global influence on English
- Language Impact: Introduced or popularised around 1,700 English words and many common phrases
Shakespeare’s Dramatic Influence on English
Shakespeare’s genius lies not only in his dramatic storytelling but also in his innovative use of the English language. His works are celebrated for their dramatic depth, creative wordplay, and the power of language to capture the human experience. His influence is evident in:
- Performing Arts:
Shakespeare’s plays are marked by vivid characters, dynamic dialogue, and dramatic conflict. His language techniques—ranging from soliloquies to witty repartees—have elevated English literature and continue to shape modern drama. - Cultural Impact:
His works have introduced countless words and phrases into everyday use, making the study of his language both a cultural and linguistic adventure.
Shakespeare’s Most Famous Plays
| Comedies | Tragedies | Histories |
| A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Hamlet | Henry V |
| Twelfth Night | Macbeth | Richard III |
| Much Ado About Nothing | Romeo and Juliet | Henry II |
| The Comedy of Errors | Othello | Henry IV |
| As You Like It | King Lear | Julius Caesar |
Each genre shows different language styles: playful in comedies, intense in tragedies, and formal in histories.
Shakespeare’s Contribution to the English Language
Shakespeare’s work is responsible for the invention or popularisation of an estimated 1,700 words in the English language. His inventive use of language in his plays and poems has enriched English language vocabulary and expression. Here are some notable examples:
| Daily Life | Feelings & Traits | Society & Power | Others |
| Bedroom | Lonely | Sovereign | Roguish |
| Eyeball | Sorrowful | Dynasty | Premeditated |
| Manager | Dauntless | Courtship | Obscene |
| Downstairs | Rant | Reverence | Critic |
| Kissing | Fashionable | Valiant | Zany |
| Gossip | Swagger | Majestic | Anguish |
| Eventful | Misery | Assassination | Jest |
A fun activity would be to construct sentences that use as many of these words as possible; they have integrated seamlessly into modern English, proving his lasting impact on everyday language. By integrating dramatic storytelling with innovative language use, Shakespeare turned ordinary words into expressive tools – and highly expressive words in to ones for everyday use. His work teaches us that language is not static; it evolves with the power of creative expression.
Popular English Phrases and Idioms Coined by Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s contributions to vocabulary span everyday words, idioms, and phrases that are now integral to modern English:
- All’s well that ends well: Emphasises that a good ending makes up for any difficulties along the way
- (to have a) Heart of gold: To be very kind
- (to be) In stitches: To laugh very hard, almost to the point of being in pain
- Break the ice: To start a conversation in a social setting
- The world is your oyster: You have many opportunities (and why London’s public transport card is called an Oyster Card!)
- All that glitters (originally: glisters) is not gold: Appearances can deceive
- Break the ice: Start a conversation
- Wear your heart on your sleeve: Show your emotions openly
- (to be) In a pickle: To find oneself in a tricky or difficult situation
- (to be) Cruel to be kind: To cause someone pain for their own good
- Wild goose chase: A useless or pointless search
Famous Quotations by Shakespeare
Use these Shakespearean quotations to enrich your writing and speaking:
- To be or not to be: Questioning the nature and the meaning of existence
- All the world’s a stage: Life is fleeting, and we all play a role/roles
- The course of true love never did run smooth: If the love is real, the journey will be bumpy
- Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them: There are many different ways to succeed in life
- What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet: The essence of anything is not changed by how you identify it
- No legacy is so rich as honesty: Being truthful is the most valuable thing one can do
- If music be the food of love, play on: Music has the power to bring people together
- Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind: What keeps people together is not looks but personality
These quotes will enrich your vocabulary and provide a cultural context that enhances your understanding of the English language.
The Shakespeare Authorship Conspiracy: Did he Write his Plays?
Some people have questioned whether Shakespeare wrote all the plays credited to him. However, most historians agree that he was the main author of the works. This debate, while interesting, does not change the value of his writing or its importance in English education.
Why Study Shakespeare as an EFL Learner?
Studying Shakespeare’s dramatic use of English can enrich your language skills in several ways:
- Build Vocabulary: Learn new words that appear in modern English.
- Understand Culture: Grasp references you’ll find in films, books, and news.
- Improve Skills: Analyse themes to sharpen reading and critical thinking.
- Practise Speech: Use dramatic intonation to enhance your speaking.
Conclusion
For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, exploring Shakespeare’s works offers valuable insights into the richness of the English language. His inventive vocabulary, enduring phrases, and profound themes provide a deeper understanding of English literature and expression. Shakespeare’s use of language has had a lasting impact on English; his plays are not only part of world literature but also a fun and meaningful way to learn the language. Whether you are just starting your English journey or looking to deepen your skills, exploring Shakespeare can improve your vocabulary, cultural understanding, and confidence.
Want to learn more about English idioms for general conversation? Check out our blog on the English idioms to boost your English skills!
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