INTRODUCTION
The transition from Middle English to Early Modern English occurred with the death of Chaucer (date). The transition from Middle English to Early Modern English was not a simple change of vocabulary and/or pronunciation; rather, it was the beginning of a new era in the history of the English language. A new era of more standardised language with richer lexicons and established literature replaced a language with large variations in large dialects.
Throughout the Early Modern English Period, a series of developments occurred that would help to evolve the English language and how it is spoken, written and perceived. These developments included: The Great Vowel Shift (changes in the pronunciation of the English language), the Elizabethan Era, Shakespeare’s influence, the standardisation of the English language through the printing press and the introduction of the dictionary and its influence.
THE GREAT VOWEL SHIFT
The Great Vowel Shift, according to Menzer (2000), occurred during the 15th to 18th century and, according to Labiak (unknown), changed the pronunciation of vowels in the English …show more content…
To reflect the change of pronunciation, the spelling of some words changed. For example, the word ‘stan’ changed to ‘stone’, the word ‘rap’ changed to ‘rope’ and the word ‘hearte’ changed to ‘heart’. However, in same situations, two differently spelt words retained the same pronunciation. For example, the word ‘parson’ still pronounced as ‘person’. Mastin (2011), claims that The Great Vowel occurred early and more pronounced in the South of England, with some Northern words, such as ‘uncouth’ and ‘dour, still retaining their pre-vowel pronunciation. Furthermore, Mastin (2011) suggests that the word ‘busy’ kept its old West Midland spelling, though possessed an East Midland/London pronunciation and the word ‘bury’ kept its East Midlands spelling, though possessed a Kentish
The transition from Middle English to Early Modern English occurred with the death of Chaucer (date). The transition from Middle English to Early Modern English was not a simple change of vocabulary and/or pronunciation; rather, it was the beginning of a new era in the history of the English language. A new era of more standardised language with richer lexicons and established literature replaced a language with large variations in large dialects.
Throughout the Early Modern English Period, a series of developments occurred that would help to evolve the English language and how it is spoken, written and perceived. These developments included: The Great Vowel Shift (changes in the pronunciation of the English language), the Elizabethan Era, Shakespeare’s influence, the standardisation of the English language through the printing press and the introduction of the dictionary and its influence.
THE GREAT VOWEL SHIFT
The Great Vowel Shift, according to Menzer (2000), occurred during the 15th to 18th century and, according to Labiak (unknown), changed the pronunciation of vowels in the English …show more content…
To reflect the change of pronunciation, the spelling of some words changed. For example, the word ‘stan’ changed to ‘stone’, the word ‘rap’ changed to ‘rope’ and the word ‘hearte’ changed to ‘heart’. However, in same situations, two differently spelt words retained the same pronunciation. For example, the word ‘parson’ still pronounced as ‘person’. Mastin (2011), claims that The Great Vowel occurred early and more pronounced in the South of England, with some Northern words, such as ‘uncouth’ and ‘dour, still retaining their pre-vowel pronunciation. Furthermore, Mastin (2011) suggests that the word ‘busy’ kept its old West Midland spelling, though possessed an East Midland/London pronunciation and the word ‘bury’ kept its East Midlands spelling, though possessed a Kentish