Impact of Printing on Literacy and English Language

Printing and Literacy

• Printing made books available at a relatively low price, increasing demand for books and literacy among the middle and lower classes.
• The London dialect became the standard for written English throughout England.

The Renaissance

• The Renaissance took place from the 14th to the 17th century and promoted the rediscovery of classical Greco-Roman philosophy, literature, and art.
• The English Renaissance, also known as the Elizabethan era (1558-1603), is considered the Golden Age of English history.
• Queen Elizabeth I's reign fostered pride in the English language, leading to its return as the language of the English nation.
• The English Renaissance primarily focused on literature and music, with the full flowering of English literature and poetry.

Modern English Period

• Modern English is defined as the English language since 1450 or 1500.
• The Early Modern Period (1450-1800) and Late Modern English (1800-present) are distinct stages in the language's evolution.
• The most recent stage is called Present-Day English (PDE), with some linguists arguing for a further stage called World English, reflecting the globalization of English.

Early Modern English

• Early Modern English shows features typical of Modern English, making it more easily understandable to present-day readers.
• The late Middle Ages saw the restoration of the English language as a major literary language in England and the establishment of a standard form of written English.

Influences on the Language

• The introduction and dissemination of printing, the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, the rise of nationalism, and economic changes all had significant effects on the language.
• The printing press allowed for improved European communication and ideas to spread more quickly, contributing to the English language's rise to international prestige.

The Printing Press

• William Caxton imported and set up the first printing press in England in 1476.
• Printing accelerated literacy, and the English language rose to a place of international prestige.

Effects of Printing

• Printing froze English spelling.
• Shakespeare's works, consisting of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and other verses, played a significant role in shaping modern English and making it a global language.
• About 3,000 new words and phrases appeared in print in his plays.

The Protestant Reformation

• Humanism, a cultural movement that gained momentum in Italy during the 14th century, promoted the idea that man is the center of his own universe.
• The Protestant Reformation, led by Martin Luther, caused a split in the Catholic Church and led to the creation of Protestantism.
• The Protestant belief that people should read the Bible for themselves led to numerous translations of the Bible, including the Authorized Version (King James Bible) of 1611.