Middle to Early Modern English Transition

A major change in how long vowels were pronounced in English, happening gradually between 1400 and 1750.

The period in English language history after Middle English (1150-1500) and before Present Day English, beginning around 1500 and lasting until roughly 1700.

Changes to how a language is spoken and written. These changes can be influenced by external factors like contact with other languages or internal factors like sound shifts.

Changes in the way words are pronounced, often caused by gradual shifts in the position of the tongue or mouth.

A time marker used to denote a transition between different historical periods in a language. It doesn't mean a sudden shift, but rather a noticeable change over time.

A form of English used in government documents around 1430, incorporating elements of Midland and Northern dialects. It wasn't solely a London regional dialect; it reflected contributions from writers across England who infused their regional language features.

William Caxton, who established a printing press in 1476, played a crucial role in promoting English as a language of learning and establishing a more standardized written form. By printing books in English, he legitimized its usage for wider audiences.

Initially, the printing press introduced inconsistencies in written English due to compositors' varying spelling practices. This, however, helped printers achieve visual balance on printed pages by adjusting word lengths. The compositors often didn't have training in English scribal techniques, leading to inconsistencies in spellings.

During the 16th century, consistency in English spellings became more prevalent. This was mainly due to the employment of English-speaking compositors, who gradually adopted the standardized spellings used by manuscript copyists.

The printing press's impact went beyond standardizing spelling. It revolutionized the distribution of texts by enabling faster production at lower costs. This facilitated the rapid spread of ideas and led to the widespread acceptance of the fixed spellings developed by printers.

The influence of social groups and their interactions on the way people speak. Social factors like class, prestige, and migration can drive linguistic changes.

A hypothesis that suggests the Great Vowel Shift might have been driven by the middle class imitating prestigious language patterns, aiming to elevate their social standing.

The language used by the English Royal Court during the Middle English period. It was often used in official settings and by the aristocracy.

The language used by common people in England during the Middle English period, often contrasting with the more formal French used by the ruling class.

The use of Latin for administrative and religious purposes during the Middle English period. This restricted access to knowledge for those who didn't speak Latin.

The translation of the Bible into English by John Wycliffe contributed significantly to increased literacy among common people. This sparked controversy and led to the persecution of Wycliffe and his followers.

The first official English translation of the Bible, commissioned by King Henry VIII in 1539. Its creation was influenced by the Protestant Reformation and the growing popularity of English Bible translations.

The translation of the Bible into English by William Tyndale, beginning in 1525. Notably, it was the first full English translation directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts.

The English translation of the Bible authorized by King James I in 1611. It is still used today by many churches and is considered a masterpiece of English prose.

The standardization of the English language, which involved a shift from regional dialects towards a more consistent, written form. This process was influenced by the printing press, religious reforms, and the rise of London as a cultural center.

A variety of English spoken in the central Midlands region of England, particularly prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries, associated with the Wycliffite movement.

A variety of English prevalent in London from the late 1300s onwards, featuring elements of East Anglian dialect.

A variety of English spoken in London from around 1380 to 1425. It combined elements of Central Midlands dialect and was used by famous writers like Geoffrey Chaucer.

A type of English that was influenced by the legal practices of the Chancery court. Its spellings were closer to those used in Present Day English than other dialects.