Early Modern English (jan 1, 1500 – jan 19, 1700)
Description:
Early Modern English
No major invasions but social factors (i.e. civil war) influence change
SE emerged in the 15th century
Increased Literacy
Systematic Vowel Change in the 15th and 16th Centuries
No auxiliary on sentences (“You smoke” vs “Do you smoke”)
Criticised for many loanwords
Initially viewed unfavourably as an inferior language
1520-1660 saw the fastest lexical growth
Borrowings from Greek and Latin, as English was unexpressive. (Criticised by Inkhorns)
Shakespeare deliberately used outlandish English and constructions
Added to timeline:
History of the English Language
Date:
