
In a Manner of Speaking
Episode 68 (English Through the Ages)
Episode guests
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Quick takeaways
- English pronunciation has evolved through different stages in history, influenced by Celtic languages, Latin, French, and regional dialects.
- English vocabulary expanded during the Renaissance period, with the introduction of Latin, Greek, Hebrew words, leading to the emergence of a standard language.
Deep dives
Development of English pronunciation through history
English pronunciation has evolved through different stages in history. In the early period, known as Old English, Celtic languages and Latin had an influence. The arrival of the Normans in 1066 marked the shift from Old English to Middle English, with French language and pronunciation influencing the vocabulary and sound system. The Middle English period witnessed regional dialects dominating written literature. The Great Vowel Shift, which started around 1400, brought significant changes to pronunciation, leading to the emergence of Early Modern English. During this time, Webster's influence in America and Johnson's influence in Britain shaped the pronunciation and spelling standards. The rise of Received Pronunciation (RP) as a class marker occurred towards the end of the 18th century, leading to a distinction between British English and American English. Variations and accents continued to develop in English-speaking countries such as Australia and Canada, with less regional divergence compared to the UK.