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Meanings
Thee
Thy
Thou
Thou /ðaʊ/ = you
Thee /ðiː/ = you
Thine /ðaɪn/ = yours
Thy /ðaɪ/ = your
Ye /jiː/ = you
Thine
Ye
Myth #1:
"These pronouns are obsolete"
Reality:
These pronouns have a valuable
cultural importance
in English language
Thou = singular (s.) = 2nd person
Thee = singular (s.) = 2nd person
Thine = singular (s.) = 2nd person
Thy = singular (s.) = 2nd person
Ye = plural (pl.) = 2nd person
My heart is
My heart is
Historically associated with...
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
=
Subject pronouns
(Shakespearean / KJV English)
I
Thou
He
She
It
We
Ye
They
Subject pronouns
(Standard Modern English)
I
You
He
She
It
We
You
They
Myth #2:
"Those pronouns are
unpractical samples of Middle English"
Reality:
Shakespearean English is not Middle English,
but Early Modern English!
and it's still used by some people
Perceptions
=
Appreciation
Criticism
1. Some people advocate the use of archaic pronouns
in religious contexts, given that, in Scripture, they are more specific and more accurate than "you".
2. Others like the esthetic writing style and
poetic sound that their literary compositions acquire with archaic pronouns.
1. Many English-speakers are reluctant to the use of archaic pronouns, feeling that they are difficult to understand.
2. Others feel that these pronouns are "outdated" and confusing.
Authentic materials
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
―Jesus Christ
(Mark 12:30-31
KJV 1611)
"How Great Thou Art" is another famous
hymn full with archaic pronouns. It has also been sung in modern times by prominent artists like:
* Elvis Presley (1967).
* Mahalia Jackson
* Johnny Cash
* Alan Jackson
* Sandy Patty
* Gladys Knight (1968)
* Donna Summer
* Susan Boyle
* Carrie Underwood (2011)
* Steven Curtis Chapman
* Yolanda Adams
* Kim Walker Smith
...and many others...
"Thou wilt permit me to sit beside thee, Serranita ? " " With much pleasure," she replied, " though I am surprised that for me thou leavest the beauties in the saloon. Thou knowest me, perchance ?"
―Charles Dickens,
Bentley's Miscellany (1836-1868)
"In Language meet, thy Talents, Temper, mind
Thy solid worth, they captivating Grace!
Thou friend and ornament of Mankind!"
― Jane Austen,
To the Memory of Mrs. Lefroy (1804)
"Just a Closer Walk With Thee" is song
containing archaic pronouns
that has been covered by many artists, including:
* Elvis Presley (1958)
* Mahalia Jackson, "The Queen of Gospel music", (1972).
* Albertina Walker "The 2nd Queen of Gospel music", (1975).
* Louis Armstrong, "The Founding Father of Jazz music", (1960).
* Ella Fitzgerald, "The Queen of Jazz music", (1967).
* Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash (1969).
* Van Morrison (1991).
* Willie Nelson (1996)
* Eric Clapton (2011)
*
...and many others...
"My sin Thou hast forgiven me;
Canst Thou forgive my blasphemy?
Canst Thou return to this dark hell,
And in my burning bosom dwell?
And canst Thou die that I may live?
And canst Thou pity and forgive?'"
― William Blake,
The Everlasting Gospel (ca. 1810)
=
"Be Thou My Vision" is a traditional Irish hymn.
1. How many times do you hear "archaic pronouns"?
2. Which pronouns?
Object pronouns
(Standard Modern English)
me
you
him
her
it
us
you
them
Music
Archaic pronouns have also been used in
modern times by some musicians who perform:
* Negro spirituals
(African-American traditional songs)
* Gospel music
* Country music
* Jazz music
* Christian music