English+Renaissance+-+Changes+in+the+English+Language

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1400s Great Vowel Shift - the pronunciation of English long vowels changed. Also, the final 'e' in words like 'take' is no longer pronounced.

By year 1500, Middle English changed into early Modern English

Printing was still in Middle English, while pronunciation was Modern, accounting for inconsistencies in Modern English spellings.

Thou, thee, thy, and thine- Familiar address You, your, yours - Formal address

Fewer helping verbs were used, especially when asking questions. An example is "Saw you the bird?"

Greek and Latin roots were more recognized because more people were interested in classic literature and culture.

Trade brought influences of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Arabic, African languages, Indian languages, and American languages.

Shakespeare coined over 2,000 words; most were using nouns as verbs and verbs as nouns. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0419_040419_shakespeare_2.html

Some Shakespearean words: sanctimonious, fashionable, laced, bedazzle, well-bred, lustrous

Some Shakespearean phrases: Eaten out of house and home, pomp and circumstance, the makings of, a sorry sight, the world's my oyster

He grew into his seat;And to such wondrous doing brought his horse,As he had been //incorps'd// and //demi-nature'd//With the brave beast. -- //Hamlet, iv. 7.// [|Words Coined By Shakespeare]

The increased writing of literature, as well as the rise of nationalism, led to the desire for a more expressive vocabulary.

An estimated 10, 000 words were added to the English language during the English Renaissance, generally by writers.

Differences lessened between the informal and formal you, causing to it's eventual downfall.

In 1604, the first English language dictionary was published.

Overall, the English language was standardized during the English Renaissance.