Early Modern English Period (1500-1800)

In Middle English, 'thou' was used for a single person, 'ye' for multiple people, and 'you' was the object form. 'Thou' and 'ye' were also used as subjects.

'You' became the standard pronoun for all functions and social situations in Modern English, replacing 'ye'.

In Shakespeare's time, 'you' was used for both singular and plural subjects and objects. It was also used to show social hierarchy.

A change in vowel pronunciations, specifically between 1450-1640, where vowel sounds changed to create new diphthongs (/ai/, /au/).

The grammar of Early Modern English was essentially the same as Modern English, making the transition easier.

The English language from approximately 1500 to 1800, exhibiting significant changes from Middle English.

The English language used by William Shakespeare in his plays and poems.

The Renaissance brought significant cultural changes and new vocabulary into the English language.

The standard word order in English sentences.

A decrease in grammatical markers on words, like case endings, making the language more analytic.

The system of grammatical markers that indicate the role of a noun in a sentence, having significantly reduced in Early Modern English.

Grammar focusing primarily on word order to convey meaning rather than inflection.

A sound change that affected vowel pronunciations in English between 1450 and 1640, creating new diphthongs such as /ai/ and /au/.

Words borrowed from the French language that were introduced into English during and after the Norman Conquest.

The movement of people, particularly during the Renaissance, which led to the mixing of dialects and the standardization of language.

A cultural movement that emphasized the rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman literature and philosophy.

The language spoken in London that became the basis for the modern English language.

The study of classical Greek and Roman literature and philosophy during the Renaissance.

Words borrowed from Latin and Greek languages introduced into English during the Renaissance due to the revival of classical scholarship.

The influx of French Loanwords contributed to the shifting pronunciation of English vowels. This was because as French words were introduced into English, they were often pronounced with their French vowel sounds, ultimately contributing to the changes within the English language.

The stage of English development from 1500 to 1800, marking significant changes from Middle English.

A period of religious change in England (1531-1547) initiated by King Henry VIII who broke away from the Catholic Church to establish the Church of England.

King Henry VIII declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England, replacing the authority of the Pope.

The invention of the Printing Press in 1439 and its introduction to England in 1476 by William Caxton significantly increased the production and distribution of texts, leading to a rise in literacy.

King Henry VII established the Anglican Church in England in the 1530s, separating it from the Catholic Church.

William Tyndale translated the Bible into English in 1526, making it accessible to common people.

Factors like the expansion of English to other continents through colonization, the slave trade from Africa, and the introduction of the printing press significantly impacted the development of the English language.

The period of English language from 1800 to the present, characterized by major vocabulary expansion.

The Industrial Revolution (1750-1900) drastically expanded the English vocabulary, introducing new words for technologies and advancements.

Scientific writers during Early Modern English borrowed new words from other languages to meet their needs.

New words constantly entered the English vocabulary during the Late Modern English period, driven by technological advancements and scientific discoveries.

The English translation of the Bible authorized by King James I in 1611, which became known as the King James Version. This version was influential in shaping the English language.

The Renaissance, a period of renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman culture, influenced English art, literature, and language, introducing new ideas and words.

The most significant difference between Early and Late Modern English is the immense growth of vocabulary, especially due to the Industrial Revolution.

The Victorian period (1837-1901) witnessed a vast increase in English vocabulary, especially in science, technology, and social sciences.

Playwrights like Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Johnson, along with philosophers and scientists like Robert Boyle, contributed to the rich literary output of Early Modern English.

William Caxton was an English merchant, printer, writer, and translator who introduced the printing press to England in 1476, significantly impacting the dissemination of knowledge and the evolution of the English language.

The Old English period in English literary history spans from 450 to 1066, marked by the use of the Anglo-Saxon language and characterized by epic poems, prose narratives, and religious texts.

During the mid-seventeenth century, English spelling began stabilizing, with printers adopting conventions like the distinct use of 'I' and 'J' and 'U' and 'V', setting the foundation for modern standardized English.

The standardization of spelling in the mid-17th century was driven by the influence of printing, which required consistent representation of words for mass production.

The Middle English Period in literary history lasted from 1066 to 1500 and witnessed the transition from Old English to modern English. It was influenced by the Norman conquest and featured works like Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

The Renaissance, spanning 1500-1660, was a period of intense cultural and intellectual revival, marked by an interest in classical literature, art, and science, heavily influencing the development of English language and literature.

The Neoclassical period, spanning from 1660 to 1785, emphasized reason, order, and classical models, impacting English literature with its focus on satire, wit, and polished style.

The Restoration era, from 1660 to 1700, marked the return of the monarchy after the Commonwealth period, and its impact on society and culture influenced literary trends and artistic expressions.