The Mycenaean

Shakespearean language is undoubtedly how people should speak today. Life would sound much more profound and interesting if we traded in “the” for “thou” or  “prithee” for “please.” Nowadays we do not give as much thoughts to our words, and many times our conversations are just meaningless interactions. We comment on the weather or ask how someone’s day is going, but do we really listen to their response? People today also use “like” and “um” so constantly it makes other’s heads hurt — but you do not hear those words overused in Shakespeare’s stories. If we all spoke like we were from one of William Shakespeare’s plays, we would have to think carefully both in our words and also when other people are talking so we can understand what in the world they are saying. 

A conversation in today’s language:	In Shakespearean language:
Friend 1: Hey, how are you?	Friend 1: How art thee?
Friend 2: I’m stressed. I haven’t finished my homework and my grandmother is annoyed. I wish I was smarter.	Friend 2: I am serious. I hath not completed mine own homework and mine own grandam ist lacking in valor humor. I wisheth I hadst more wit.
Friend 1: Oh no! I’m sorry, but I think you’re smart. Just keep a positive attitude. Is there any way I can help you?	Friend 1: Alack! I am sorry, but I bethink thou art cunning, just keepeth the throth. Haply I can holp thee?
Friend 2: Sure, but right now we have to hurry to get over there before the morning. Thank you.	Friend 2: Ay, but even but now we has’t to hie to wend yonder ere morrow. Thanketh thee.

The second conversation sounds much more interesting and would definitely spice up daily lives. 

“I’ve tried to start saying things like ‘alas’ just when talking to friends and family, but unfortunately they do not reciprocate my enthusiasm. It can be hard, but it is also so fun to practice, and I wish I could find someone to speak with,” said Ian Smith, a junior at Leesville. 

Next time you go to strike up a conversation, maybe attempt to incorporate some Shakespearean language — click here if you want some help translating what you want to say into this old dialect. And remember, practice makes perfect.