“A Light History of the English Language”

Professor Elliot Engel will bring his well-known wit and wisdom to Piedmont Arts with “A Light History of the English Language,” an engaging talk offering little-known facts and a large dose of humor.

In his unique style of storytelling, Professor Engel will reveal why the English language developed in such a fascinating way—from its Celtic origins to the influence of Anglo-Saxons and the invading French. The genesis of some common English words and phrases is sure to surprise.

“Chaucer is given his proper place as the earliest named literary genius,” said Engel. “Using anecdotes, analysis and humor, this talk brings to life this most personal of topics, which has always been as near as the tip of our tongues.”

“A Light History of the English Language” will be held at Piedmont Arts on Tuesday, April 5. Guests can enjoy dinner with Professor Engel prior to the talk or attend the talk only. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm and advance reservations are required. The talk begins at 7:30 pm and is open to the public. 

Tickets are $30 for the talk and dinner or $15 for the talk only. Tickets can be purchased at Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Ave., by calling 276.632.3221 or online at PiedmontArts.org.

About Professor Engel

Professor Engel lives in Raleigh, North Carolina where he has taught at the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University and Duke University. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at UCLA. While at UCLA he won that university’s Outstanding Teacher Award. Engel has written ten books published in England, Japan, Turkey and the United States. His mini-lecture series on Charles Dickens ran on PBS television stations around the country.