Evolution of English from the Late 1700s to Modern Times

The English language has undergone significant transformations since the late 1700s, reflecting the evolving cultural, social, and technological contexts of the times. This article explores the differences between the English spoken in the late 1700s and the English we use today, providing insight into how language evolves over centuries.

Embracing Literary Examples: Chaucer to 19th Century Novels

The journey begins with the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote his Canterbury Tales in 1387. Chaucer is often referred to as the father of Middle English and has a very distinct and archaic style of writing. Navigate to a video of Canterbury Tales being read aloud, and you will find that it sounds almost like a foreign language, with phrases and words that are highly unfamiliar (vaguely Swedish).

Chaucer's Prologue: A Window into the Past

Chaucer’s opening lines from the Prologue exemplify the stark contrast:

Whan that Aprille with his shour
s soot
e
The droghte of March hath perc
e
d to the root
e
And bathed every veyne in swich licóur
Of which vertú engendr
e
ed is the flour

Compare this to a passage from a 19th century novel. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, published in 1813, is a perfect example:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However quaint this analogy may sound, it is a clear representation of the nuanced and sophisticated language used during that era.

Shakespeare's Impact and Standardization

Following Chaucer, William Shakespeare, who lived in the 16th and early 17th centuries, revolutionized the English language. Shakespeare's works introduced and popularized new vocabulary and grammatical structures, profoundly shaping the language. Consider the following lines from Hamlet:

To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die: to sleep—

Shakespeare's writings expanded the lexicon and refined the grammar of English, influencing the language into the late 1700s and beyond.

The Late 1700s and Early 1800s: A Transition Period

The late 1700s and early 1800s saw a gradual transition from Middle English and Early Modern English to the Modern English we use today. During this period, standardization efforts began to take shape. A good example of this can be seen in the journals of Samuel Johnson, who compiled the first authoritative English dictionary, published in 1755. These journals provide a wealth of information about the language of the time:

He rose, as usual, at about 5 a.m. and walked in the garden. After breakfast, he sat down to work on his Dictionary.

This period also saw the continued influence of literary works on the language, including novels by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Their works provided a window into the evolving language and societal norms of the time:

"It is delightful to be loved," said Jane Austen's heroine Elizabeth Bennet. "But it is also delightful to be alone."

"Society is a wonderful thing, but it can be extremely cruel," remarked a character from one of Charles Dickens' novels.

Modern English: Current Trends and Future Directions

As we move into the 21st century, the English language continues to evolve. Modern English is characterized by its adaptability and inclusion of new words and expressions, such as those from technology and globalization. Contemporary writers like J.K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter) and J.R.R. Tolkien (creator of Middle-earth) have also contributed to the rich tapestry of modern English:

"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices." - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." - Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring

These lines reflect the modern use of English, which is more fluid and reflective of the contemporary world.

Conclusion

The English language has undergone a remarkable journey from the late 1700s to the present day. From the archaic forms of Chaucer to the sophisticated writings of Austen and Dickens, and the innovative expressions of present-day authors, the language has continually adapted to new contexts and needs. The transitions from one era to another highlight the dynamic nature of language and its ability to reflect and shape our world.