The Development of Early Modern English

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Chapter One
  • Historical Background of Early Modern English

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the fascinating phenomenon of Early Modern English, analyzing its roots, external influences on its development, and internal changes it underwent. It highlights the impact of prominent figures like William Shakespeare on the language and demonstrates how English evolved from 1476 to the early 18th century.

• The impact of external factors, such as the printing press and the Reformation, on the development of English.
• The role of social and cultural changes in shaping language use and standards.
• The evolution of English pronunciation and grammar during the Early Modern period.
• The influence of significant figures, such as William Shakespeare, on the English language.
• The development of a more self-conscious approach to language during the Early Modern period.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the study of Early Modern English, emphasizing the cultural and historical context of the period. It discusses the rise of a self-conscious attitude towards language and the factors that influenced the standardization of English, such as the printing press and the Protestant Reformation.
• Chapter One: Historical Background of Early Modern English: This chapter explores the fundamental nature of language as a system interconnected with its sociohistorical setting. It discusses the influence of the Norman Conquest and other historical events on the development of English. The chapter also examines the role of language in shaping social interactions and individual identity.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Early Modern English, language development, historical influences, social and cultural changes, standardization, pronunciation, grammar, William Shakespeare, self-consciousness about language, linguistic innovation, Great Vowel Shift, sources of words in English.