The course aims to illustrate the English language through the development of its words. Tracing the antecedents and relatives of words from a dictionary and specialist sources will demonstrate contributions to the modern English vocabulary. The existence, development, and usage of English words will be examined through directed and assisted participant presentations and group discussions. Simple projects and presentations to stimulate group discussion will be an important part of the course. The etymological aspects will be essentially non-academic and so all that is required is an enquiring mind and a willingness to be delighted at how readable and informative a dictionary can be. You do not have to have previously ‘done’ Latin or Greek (or French or German). All-comers welcome.