The King James Bible and Its Influence on the English Language

Linguists generally agree that the two greatest influences on English are the writings of William Shakespeare and the King James Bible (KJB).  After describing how the KJB came about, we will examine some of its features that account for its enduring influence (e.g., the prose style of noun-of-noun constructions, interjections to intensify and indicate importance, frequent use of idioms and expressions still in common use today).  Finally, we will illustrate how major historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Winston Churchill used the KJB as a source of inspiration.

Presenter: Roy M. Pitkin