There is no better resource for teaching the history of the English language. Unfortunately, this 1986 series has become sadly dated. The creators correctly honed in on the future of Asia and technology as driving factors in the ongoing creation of the English language. Yet the creators could not have known that the Internet and our ability for instant communication were right around the corner. What percentage of the world's websites are now published in English? E- mail? Tweets? Text messages? Now when I show this series to my students, I generally skip the technology episode because it is so dated (otherwise, I have to take time out from the lesson to explain telexes and telegrams).
I would love to see this series revised and updated for it's upcoming 30th anniversary.
I would love to see this series revised and updated for it's upcoming 30th anniversary.