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Corpse, Corps, Horse and Worse

99% Invisible

CHAPTER

The Evolution of English: Printing Press and Phonetic Oddities

This chapter explores the complex history of the English language, particularly the impact of the printing press in the 15th century on its irregularities. It highlights how this technological advancement coincided with significant changes in pronunciation and grammar, leading to variations in spelling and the introduction of silent letters. The discussion also delves into the Great Vowel Shift, illustrating how these linguistic transformations shaped the diverse sounds and spellings that characterize modern English.

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