Welcome to a new listening activity! This linguistic adventure takes us into the whimsical realm of “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll. Brace yourselves for a delightful journey through this playful poem filled with brilliant nonsense that magically weaves meaning. Get ready to unravel the linguistic wonders of the brillig, slithy toves, and the legendary Jabberwock!
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Video transcript (click here ⬅)
(00:00) Today we have a frabjous treat for you. This poem is full of seemingly
nonsensical words that somehow manage to make sense. Ready to see if you can follow along? Without further ado, we present: “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll. ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
(00:26) “Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!” He took his vorpal sword in hand;
Long time the manxome foe he sought— So rested he by the Tumtum tree
And stood awhile in thought. And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
(01:00) Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came! One, two! One, two!
And through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back. “And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
(01:32) He chortled in his joy. ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Uncover your listening skills with this quiz
As we bid adieu to the frabjous world of “Jabberwocky,” we hope you’ve relished the linguistic dance of slithy toves and vorpal blades. Carroll’s genius turns seemingly nonsensical words into a fantastical tapestry of imagination. Until our next listening escapade, keep exploring the joyous realm of words, where brillig days and mimsy borogoves await. Happy learning!
