Language: The Historical Development Of The English Language

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The English language has changed extremely in the last centuries. It was not only reflected in the grammar and vocabulary but also in spelling and pronunciation. English passed two stages, namely Old English, Middle English, and now is in a continual state of change that can be still traced as Modern English.
The motivation of this paper is the historical development of consonants, their application and ability of differentiation and recognition of sounds through the periods. This work presents a useful framework for exploring differences and changes over the time. It is important to compare and trace the changes of the English language history since it can predict the future transformations as well as language innovations.
The aim of this …show more content…

Conclusions will be based on examples, representing each aspect and modification.
2. Stages of the English language
The history of the English language can be divided into three major periods: Old English (OE), Middle English (ME) and Modern English (ModE) that can be subdivided into Early Modern English (EModE) and Late Modern English (LModE). It is important to have a look at all the periods and stages of development of the 'standard' English since it influenced the whole structure of English, namely sounds, grammar and even spelling.
2.1 Old English (449-1100)
According to A. Campbell (1959:1), Old English also known as Anglo Saxon is ''the vernacular Germanic language of great Britain as it is recorded in manuscripts and inscriptions dating from before about 1100''. The Old English period was marked by such important historical events as occupation of Great Britain by Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Frisians in 449;conversion to Christianity and introducing of writing; Scandinavian invasion in 787; reign of King Alfred in 871,who promoted the translation of Latin works into English, and composing of the Old English epic Beowulf in

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