How Can We Learn English from Bridgerton?

Bridgerton poster created by Maria Nicolae

Love period dramas? Want to brush up on your English skills? Then buckle up, because "Bridgerton" is your secret weapon! This regency romance isn't just about dazzling dresses and steamy secrets, the elegant world of the Bridgerton family and their high-society peers provides a rich tapestry of vocabulary, sentence structures, and accents that can enhance your language learning.

Eva Devon, author of Regency romances like The Spinster and the Rake, puts it this way: “A great way of describing the language of this show is that it's an invitation to the actual older language. It uses the tools of the language of the time, but makes it really accessible and fun and inviting for a modern viewer.” (King, 2021)

Here's why:

1. Vocabulary Worthy of a Lady Whistledown:

One of the delights of "Bridgerton" is its use of period-specific vocabulary, Bridgerton throws around some delightful vocabulary you won't hear on the streets today. Here are some examples:

• Modiste: A term used for a dressmaker. In the series, Madame Delacroix is the modiste who designs stunning gowns for the ladies.

• Debutante: A young woman making her formal entrance into society. The series revolves around the debutante season, where young ladies like Daphne and Francesca Bridgerton are presented to society.

• Promenade: A leisurely walk, often taken for social purposes. Characters often take promenades to discuss matters of the heart and society.

• Viscount: A nobleman of a rank below an earl and above a baron, just like Anthony Bridgerton.

• The ton: Simply put, ‘the ton’ refers to British high society. You may have heard the characters on the show refer to this phrase as a reference to ‘town’, but historically speaking, the term means high society. The word itself originates from the French phrase ‘le bon ton’, which means etiquette or good manners. (Virgin Radio, 2024)

• Coming out: This term is a classic example of how meanings can change over time. Back in the 19th century, ‘coming out’ referred to a woman making her grand debut into society, typically at a special ball or party. Doing this would also indicate that a woman was ready for courtship or marriage. (Virgin Radio, 2024)

Words like that will pepper your conversations, making you sound oh-so-sophisticated.

2. Sentence Structures with a Dashing Regency Flair

Royals and their close circle emphasized careful pronunciation and proper sentence structure, often referring to themselves in the third person, as a sign of good manners. They used covert sentences to express their intentions discreetly, and often ended sentences with "shall we."

"Bridgerton" features a variety of sentence structures that can help you improve your grammar and syntax. Here is an example:

• Would you care to: Another polite invitation. Instead of saying, “Do you want to join me?” a character might say, “Would you care to join me?”

This exposure to different sentence structures will enhance your own writing and speaking, making it more nuanced and interesting.

3. The Accents You've Been Craving (Sort Of)

Even though Queen Charlotte of England in the Netflix series is from Germany, she speaks with Received Pronunciation, better known as the Queen's English. This accent stands out because it is well-articulated and clear. People in the UK often call Received Pronunciation the "standard" English accent. Its most distinguishing characteristics are the silent 'r' at the end of words and the long-sounding A in such words as "bath" and "dance." Listening to the English accent in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, you can improve your own accent. Just shadow everything you hear and try to mirror all the sounds correctly. It will take some time to achieve perfection. But, who knows, maybe you will be called a diamond of the season regarding your English accent. (Torn, 2024)

Bonus tips!

• Turn on subtitles: This helps you connect the spoken word with the written form.

• Rewind and repeat: Don't be shy about rewinding those captivating conversations to catch a tricky phrase.

• Look it up: Encountered an unfamiliar word? Pause the show and delve into a dictionary for a quick definition boost.

Now, let's make it a routine:

• Watch an Episode: Enjoy an episode of "Bridgerton" without worrying too much about understanding everything.

• Take Notes: Write down interesting vocabulary words, phrases, and sentence structures.

• Practice Speaking: Use the new words and phrases in your own sentences. Try speaking them out loud to improve your pronunciation.

• Repeat: Consistency is key. The more you engage with the material, the better your English will become.

Remember, learning shouldn't feel like a chore. Bridgerton makes it enjoyable, letting you soak up English while you swoon over the Duke of Hastings. So grab some popcorn, settle in for a binge session, and get ready to speak English with the confidence of a true Regency socialite!

References

King, S. L. (2021, january 15). This Bridgerton Glossary Will Have You Speaking Like Lady Whistledown. Retrieved from oprahdaily.com: https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a35208114/bridgerton-historical-words-defined/

Torn, T. (2024, february 1). Elite And Upper-Class Vocabulary from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story on Netflix. Retrieved from promova.com: https://promova.com/blog/vocabulary-from-queen-charlotte-a-bridgerton-story-on-netflix

Virgin Radio. (2024, may 16). Bridgerton's Regency slang phrases explained as season 3 drops on Netflix. Retrieved from virginradio.co.uk: https://virginradio.co.uk/entertainment/145747/bridgerton-regency-slang-phrases-explained