'The Whole Earth was of One Language, and of One Speech': The Prevalence of KJB Biblical Language in Public Discourse, 1611-1945
Meredith Brush is Coach of Forensics at Liberty University.
Abstract
The 1611 publication of the Authorized King James Version of the Bible in what is known colloquially as the "king’s English" marked a major shift in the realms of literature and language. The best-selling book ever written was now in the language of the people and it quickly began influencing public discourse. Speakers from Oliver Cromwell to William Wilberforce to Theodore Roosevelt have since used King James Version language for the creation of ethos in various sites of public discourse. This study examines the uses of KJV language for the creation of ethos in public discourse, specifically in the realm of public address. This paper looks at eight speeches (two from each of the four centuries under consideration) and examines the role of KJV style language in ethos creation in each.
'The Whole Earth was of One Language, and of One Speech': The Prevalence of KJB Biblical Language in Public Discourse, 1611-1945
Room A
The 1611 publication of the Authorized King James Version of the Bible in what is known colloquially as the "king’s English" marked a major shift in the realms of literature and language. The best-selling book ever written was now in the language of the people and it quickly began influencing public discourse. Speakers from Oliver Cromwell to William Wilberforce to Theodore Roosevelt have since used King James Version language for the creation of ethos in various sites of public discourse. This study examines the uses of KJV language for the creation of ethos in public discourse, specifically in the realm of public address. This paper looks at eight speeches (two from each of the four centuries under consideration) and examines the role of KJV style language in ethos creation in each.
