by Achae

It is the end of the Middle Ages, and Modern English is making its mark. Let us review what events occurred to encourage this growth.

In 1454 there was the advent of printing. This improves communication and helps other ideas grow. In 1492 Columbus set sail for the Indies to try and find spices. But instead he finds a "New World," and this begins an age of exploration. People are interested in seeing the new place, as well as stake claim to land of their own. In 1517 there was an effort to reform the church. Alternative world views arise, especially in the science fields.

The printing press in Germany helped to eliminate many labor and material costs. Prior to using paper, parchment was used (the hides of animals). This was very expensive, so only the wealthy could afford books. Literacy for the lower class wasn't needed as a result. Thanks to the printing press, literacy increased since books were able to be owned by anybody. Books that were printed during this beginning time frame of printing are known as incunabula, or "in the cradle."

Specialized studies such as engineering, agriculture, and animal husbandry were able to grow through printing.

The downside to the beginning of printing was creative spelling. Publishers wanted to print as much as they could on as little paper, so instead of ragged lines, they made text right-justified and altered the spelling of words so they would fit on a line. This meant one word in a single text could change multiple times. A push for the uniformity of spelling was undertaken by Mulcaster in 1582. He created a spelling book with the guidelines that the popular approval is the final authority.

Through this period there was the enriching of the vocabulary. Inkhorn terms (imported from Latin) were used, but often sneered at. Terms from overseas languages like French and Italian were added (for example - the words mustache, chocolate, mosquito). Then because Chaucer left such a mark, old fashioned and poetic language was used (for example - the words doom, squall, wolfish, glee). These neologisms were mainly adapted from other words. For example externus became external. Some terms were dropped in favor of other terms. For example, we use dismiss instead of demit, and denounce instead of denunciate.

The English language also saw a shift in pronunciation. The Middle English ō became u, as in the words "room" or "root." By the 16th century, pronunciation was like today's English.