Лекция: XIII. Read the following extract. State the etymology of the italicized words. Comment upon their stylistic characteristics.
The Oxford accent exists, but it defies definition. If is not, as the French think, the kind of English which is spoken within a twenty mile radius of the city. Indeed, it is not an accent at all, but a manner of speaking. In particular it is a manner of pausing in your speech, of pausing not at the end of sentences, where you might be: interrupted, but in the middle of sentences. Nobody, it is to be hoped, will be so rude as to interrupt you when you are in the middle of a sentence. So pause there, to decide what your next sentence is going to be. Then, having decided, move quickly forward to it without a moment's pause at the full stop. Yes, jumping your full stops — that is the Oxford accent. Do it well, and you will be able to talk forever. Nobody will have the chance of breaking in and stealing the conversation from you. (From Oxford Life by D. Balsden)
XIV. Read the following text. What words were borrowed into English during the period described in it? Describe the borrowings of this period. Comment upon the etymological and stylistic peculiarities of the italicized words.
Caesar Invades Britain
The first date in English History is 55 В. С., in. which year Julius Caesar (the memorable Roman Emperor) landed, like all other successful invaders of these islands, at Thanet. This was in the Olden Days, when the Romans were top nation on account of their classical education, etc.
Julius Caesar advanced very energetically, but the Ancient Britons fought as heroically under their dashing queen Woadicea [,bqVdi`sJq] as they did later under their good Queen Victoria. Julius Caesar was therefore compelled to invade Britain again the following year (54 В. С., not 56, owing to the peculiar Roman method of counting) and having defeated the Ancient Britons by unfair means, set the memorable Latin sentence 'Veni, Vidi, Vici'1 which the Romans, who were all very well educated, constructed correctly.
The Britons, however, who of course still used the old pronunciation, understanding him to have called them 'Weeny, Weedy, Weaky'2— lost heart and gave up the struggle.
(From 1066 and All That by C. W. Sellar, R. J. Yeatman)