Exploring the Origins of English Through Direct Experiences by Students
**BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics Students Immerse in Shakespeare's Legacy at the British Library and Globe Theatre**
On February 12, a group of 24 English Language and Linguistics students, accompanied by lecturers Bettinha Beinhoff and Michelle Sheehan, embarked on an enlightening journey to London. The purpose of the trip was to delve into the history of the English language and explore two iconic establishments: the British Library and the Globe Theatre.
The British Library offered the students a treasure trove of primary sources from the 15th to 18th centuries, related to Shakespeare and other Renaissance writers. The collection included original printings and manuscripts, providing insights into the life and works of the Bard, offering a unique perspective on his career as a playwright, actor, poet, and businessman in London and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Students were able to explore carefully edited print and digital texts of Shakespeare’s plays, offering textual histories and plot synopses, deepening their understanding of the language, themes, and historical context of his works. The British Library also hosts educational workshops and events tailored to literature students, enriching their knowledge in Shakespeare and Renaissance literature, including expert insights into characters and themes such as Juliet’s eloquence or Macbeth’s witches.
The visit to the Globe Theatre provided an immersive experience, allowing students to understand the performative aspect of Shakespeare’s texts. The Globe often offers educational resources, workshops, and performances that highlight Shakespeare’s influence on English language and drama, showcasing the historical and cultural significance of his plays.
In addition to the British Library’s holdings, other institutions such as the Folger Shakespeare Library hold the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, including digital and print versions of his plays and related documents. Platforms like Digital Theatre+ provide access to over 600 productions and educational materials, helping students link textual study with performance analysis.
The students were so intrigued by the library's treasures that they requested more time to explore after the tour. Their positive feedback suggests that similar educational visits could be beneficial for future students. The visit to London is being considered for future repetition.
The students' visit to the Globe Theatre provided a sense of Shakespeare’s central role in the theatrical scene of the time. After the tour, they attended the Globe Exhibition, further cementing their understanding of the Bard's enduring influence on English literature and language studies.
In conclusion, the BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics student trip to the British Library and the Globe Theatre provided invaluable exposure to key resources, old texts, and Shakespeare’s enduring role in English literature and language studies. By combining access to old texts and manuscripts at the British Library with the immersive experience of the Globe Theatre’s live performances, students gained a comprehensive understanding of Shakespeare’s linguistic artistry, historical context, and cultural impact in English language and linguistics studies. This trip supports both textual analysis and appreciation of Shakespeare as a dynamic figure in literature and language evolution.
- For further exploration of Shakespeare's works and their impact on education and self-development, students could consider visiting institutions like the Folger Shakespeare Library or utilizing educational platforms such as Digital Theatre+.
- Besides enhancing their understanding of Shakespeare's plays through textual history and plot synopses at the British Library, students also benefited from the immersive, performance-oriented learning experience at the Globe Theatre, deepening their knowledge in news and literature related to education-and-self-development and learning.
