The History of Silent Letters

The video explores the concept of silent letters in English, focusing on silent K and H. It explains their historical origins in Old and Middle English, where these letters were pronounced. Over time, pronunciation evolved, leading to their current silent status. The video also compares English with German, where these letters are still pronounced, and humorously justifies the presenter's beer consumption in a German pub.

What reasons are given for the silent letters becoming silent over time?

How do the German words for 'knee', 'knot', and 'gnome' differ from their English counterparts?