Early Modern English

Definition

Early Modern English is the stage of the English language that was used from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, marking a period of significant linguistic change and development. This era saw a shift in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, influenced by factors such as the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press, and contact with other languages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Early Modern English emerged after Middle English, with notable authors like William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer contributing to its rich literature.
2. The period saw an expansion of vocabulary due to contact with Latin and Greek as well as new scientific and philosophical ideas.
3. Spelling became more standardized during this time, particularly due to the printing press, which helped disseminate texts widely.
4. Grammar also evolved, with a shift from inflectional endings to a more analytical structure relying on word order.
5. The use of 'thou' and 'thee' was common in Early Modern English but gradually fell out of use by the end of this period.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Vowel Shift influence the pronunciation of words during Early Modern English?
  • The Great Vowel Shift caused significant changes in how long vowels were pronounced in English. For example, words like 'bite' and 'meet' experienced a shift where their vowel sounds became more elevated. This transformation played a crucial role in distinguishing Early Modern English from its predecessor, Middle English, creating a clearer link to modern pronunciation.
• Discuss how the Renaissance impacted vocabulary development in Early Modern English.
  • The Renaissance sparked a revival of interest in classical texts, leading to an influx of Latin and Greek words into English. This period encouraged scholars and writers to borrow terms that enriched the vocabulary, especially in fields like science, philosophy, and art. Consequently, Early Modern English became marked by a diverse lexicon that reflected contemporary cultural advancements.
• Evaluate the significance of the Chancery Standard in shaping written Early Modern English.
  • The Chancery Standard played a pivotal role in establishing a more consistent written form of Early Modern English. As a widely recognized style used by government officials, it contributed to standardizing spelling and grammar at a time when regional dialects were prevalent. This standardization helped promote literacy and ensured that texts were accessible to a broader audience, thus solidifying the foundations for modern English.

Related terms

Great Vowel Shift: A major phonetic change in the English language during the late 15th to early 18th centuries, where the pronunciation of long vowels shifted dramatically.

Chancery Standard: A form of written English that emerged in the late Middle Ages, used by the Chancery court in England; it laid the groundwork for standardized spelling and grammar in Early Modern English.

Renaissance:

A cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread across Europe, emphasizing humanism, art, and science, which greatly influenced language and literature during Early Modern English.