Mastering the Language of Shakespeare with Ease

The English language from Shakespeare's era can appear quite confusing and difficult to grasp. However, it is simply a more expressive version of English that can add depth to your communication. If you are learning English, speaking in Shakespearean style will be a fantastic addition to your skills. Fortunately, it’s not as hard as it may seem!

Part 1

Step 1. Read Shakespeare's Plays in the Original.

Step 1

Whenever possible, read the original plays of Shakespeare. Works such as "Hamlet," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Othello," and "Romeo and Juliet" will help you understand how the language was used at the time and enrich your vocabulary with archaic words.

Step 2. Replace Simple Questions.

Step 2

Swap questions that start with "Can I?" for more archaic expressions like "I do beseech you" or "I prithee." These phrases sound more refined and align with the spirit of the Elizabethan era.

Step 3. Use More Elegant Greetings.

Step 3

Try to enrich your greetings. Instead of the usual "Hello" or "How are you?", use more poetic phrases like "Good greetings, my lord/lady." If you want to ask how someone is doing, try: "How now, [Name]?" Don’t hesitate to add "and may you be well." A response could be: "Likewise to you," addressing them as "my lord" or "my lady." A more beautiful reply would be: "All of God's greetings upon you."

Step 4. Bid Farewell Elegantly.

Step 4

Your farewells can be more expressive than just saying "Bye!" A simple yet impactful farewell is: "Fare thee well." If parting for a long time, add: "Fare thee well in thy travels, and may by fate we meet again." You can adapt your words depending on the situation.

Step 5. Use Archaic Adverbs.

Step 5

Incorporate elegant adverbs like "humbly" into your speech. They add a unique expressiveness to your language, which is the main goal.

Step 6. Shorten "it".

Step 6

Contract "it" to the short form "'t." For example, "it was" becomes "'twas," and "do it" turns into "do't."

Step 7. Master the Forms with "thou".

Step 7

Learn to use "thou." Use "thy" to indicate possession ("thine" before vowels and the letter H) and "thee" for the object.

Step 8. Clearly Express Your Thoughts with "methinks" and "forsooth".

Step 8

Step 9. Use Archaic Insults.

Step 9

Replace modern insults with more archaic ones. Instead of "damned," use "accursed," and words like "traitorous," "lecherous," or "thieving" will add color. If you want to address lowly individuals, use "knavish."

Step 10. Incorporate Old Expressions into Your Speech.

Step 10

Use expressions like: "Anon," "As you will," "By your leave," "Carouse," "Chide," "Cutpurse," "E'en," "E'er," "Fie," "Grammercy," "Maid or Maiden," "Marry!", "Mayhap," "Morrow," "N'er," "Nonpariel," "Oft," "In Faith," "Perchance," "Poppet," "Pray pardon me," "Pray tell," "Privy," "Stay," "S'wounds!", "Tosspot," "Verily," "Wench," "Wherefore," "Yonder."

Step 11. Adjust Your Verbs.

Step 11

Modify verbs by adding "-st" for the second person singular and "-th" or "-eth" for the third. For example, "How dost thou" and "How doth he."

Step 12. Use "shall" in Your Statements.

Step 12

Include "shall" in your phrases. It is suitable for expressing obligations and speaking in the first person. Remember, with "thee" or "thou," "will" becomes "wilt," and "shall" becomes "shalt."

Step 13. If You Want to Part Ways, Quote Hamlet (Act 3, Scene 1, 114–121).

Step 13