🎭 Greek to me - Learn English vocabulary & idioms with 'Shakespeare Speaks'

TL;DR

Explore the origin and meaning of 'It's all Greek to me'.

Transcript

It's October 1599. Shakespeare has finished writing his history play Julius Caesar, and is visiting a fair in his home town of Stratford, with his daughter. She has just had her fortune told... Now, dear daughter, what did Old Mother Howard say? What does the future hold for us, I wonder? Oh father, Mother Howard talked a lot, but she had such a st... Read More

Key Insights

• Shakespeare's phrase 'It's all Greek to me' originates from his play Julius Caesar, illustrating confusion when faced with foreign languages or difficult concepts.
• The phrase is used in modern English to express confusion or lack of understanding, not limited to language but also complex topics.
• In the play, Casca cannot understand Cicero's Greek speech, symbolizing the gap between educated and uneducated individuals in Roman times.
• The video uses a fictional interaction between Shakespeare and his daughter to explain the idiom, making it relatable and engaging for learners.
• Fortune tellers were a common theme in Shakespeare's plays, often predicting significant events, as seen in Julius Caesar with the 'Ides of March'.
• The video encourages viewers to enhance their English vocabulary by learning idioms and expressions through engaging narratives.
• BBC Learning English and The Open University collaborate to produce educational content that makes learning English accessible and enjoyable.
• The video is part of a series that explores various idioms and expressions from Shakespeare's works, each with historical and linguistic insights.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the origin of the phrase 'It's all Greek to me'?

The phrase 'It's all Greek to me' originates from William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. In the play, the character Casca cannot understand Cicero's speech because it is in Greek, a language he does not know. This phrase has come to signify any situation where something is incomprehensible or difficult to understand.

Q: How is the phrase 'It's all Greek to me' used in modern English?

In modern English, 'It's all Greek to me' is used to describe a situation where something is confusing or difficult to understand. It is not limited to language barriers but applies to any complex or unfamiliar topic, such as technical jargon or intricate rules, as illustrated in the video with examples like cricket terminology.

Q: What role do fortune tellers play in Shakespeare's works?

Fortune tellers are a recurring motif in Shakespeare's plays, often used to foreshadow significant events. In Julius Caesar, a fortune teller warns Caesar to 'beware the Ides of March,' predicting his assassination. This theme is explored in the video through a fictional interaction between Shakespeare and his daughter, adding historical context to the idiom.

Q: What educational purpose does the video serve?

The video aims to enhance English language skills by teaching idioms and expressions through engaging narratives. By exploring the historical and linguistic origins of phrases like 'It's all Greek to me,' the video provides learners with a deeper understanding of English vocabulary, making the learning process both informative and enjoyable.

Q: How does the video make learning English engaging?

The video uses a fictional dialogue between Shakespeare and his daughter to explain the idiom 'It's all Greek to me,' making the learning experience relatable and engaging. By combining historical context with practical examples, the video captures the viewer's interest while effectively conveying the meaning and usage of the phrase.

Q: What collaboration is involved in producing the video series?

The video series is a collaboration between BBC Learning English and The Open University. This partnership aims to create educational content that is accessible and enjoyable, helping learners improve their English language skills by exploring Shakespearean idioms and expressions with historical insights and practical applications.

Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'It's all Greek to me' in Julius Caesar?

In Julius Caesar, the phrase 'It's all Greek to me' signifies the gap between educated and uneducated individuals in Roman times. Casca's inability to understand Cicero's Greek speech highlights his lack of education, serving as a metaphor for misunderstanding and confusion, which has since evolved into a widely-used English idiom.

Q: What additional resources are offered alongside the video?

The video offers additional resources such as a free lesson plan and worksheet for teachers, available for download. These materials are designed to complement the video content, providing structured activities and exercises to reinforce learning. The series also includes links to other videos exploring different Shakespearean idioms, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The phrase 'It's all Greek to me' comes from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, used to express confusion when something is difficult to understand. The video explains its origin and usage through a fictional dialogue between Shakespeare and his daughter, making it engaging for English learners.

• In the play, Casca cannot comprehend Cicero's Greek speech, highlighting the distinction between educated and uneducated people in Roman times. This idiom has since evolved to describe any situation where something is incomprehensible, not just limited to language.

• The video is part of a series by BBC Learning English and The Open University, aiming to improve English language skills through the exploration of Shakespearean idioms. It provides historical context and practical examples to make learning enjoyable and effective.