Great Vowel Shift (jan 1, 1400 – jan 1, 1600)
Description:
The Great Vowel Shift
Systematic sound change affecting long vowels which occurred in the 15th and 16th century
Occurred after spellings were standardised (printing press)
Unknown reason
Long vowel sounds began to be made higher and further forward in the mouth; short vowel sounds were largely unchanged.
May have been the result of a large influx of Romance loanwords.
Added to timeline:
History of the English Language
Date:
