Original scientific paper

English studies in Dalmatia 1775-1995

Ivo Mardešić

Abstract

Early contacts between the English and the Croats in and from Dalmatia (which can be traced to the twelfth century) resulted in interest in the English language in the towns of the Dalmatian coast. In the second half of the eighteenth century, in Dubrovnik, English was spoken, read and used as a means of written communication among some educated people. At the same time, in Split, there were attempts at writing a textbook for learning English. The first translations of Shakespeare' s works from the original into Croatian were done in Dalmatia (King Lear; Hamlet), translations of, and articles on, the works of British authors occasionally appeared in Dalmatian periodícals, along with reviews of performances of plays. There were instances of lexicographic works (a dictionary of maritime terminology), and also articles on the English legal system and some aspects of cultural life in Great Britain. The foundation of the Teacher Training College in Split in 1945 and the Faculty of Philosophy in Zadar (with its English Department) in 1955 was a great stimulus for the further development of English studies in Dalmatia. Both members of the staff and graduates have made a significant contribution to the development of English studies in Croatia.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

120300

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/120300

Publication date:

15.9.1997.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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