EARLY MODERN ENGLISH DURING THE SHAKESPEAREAN PERIOD
Keywords:
Early Modern English, Shakespearean period, verb conjugation, syntax, vocabulary, orthography, phonology, linguistic change, Middle English, literary languageAbstract
This article examines the development of Early Modern English (EME) during the Shakespearean period, roughly spanning the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The study focuses on the linguistic, grammatical, and lexical changes that distinguish EME from Middle English and lay the foundation for Modern English. It highlights significant shifts in verb conjugation, word order, and the adoption of new vocabulary influenced by Latin, French, and other European languages. The research also explores orthographic variation and emerging standardization in spelling, which were shaped by the growing influence of printing and literary culture.
Special attention is given to the works of William Shakespeare, whose texts illustrate both creative linguistic innovation and adherence to evolving grammatical norms. The study analyzes examples of verb forms, syntactic constructions, and rhetorical usage, demonstrating how Shakespeare’s language reflects broader trends in Early Modern English. The article also considers phonological developments, such as vowel shifts, that contributed to pronunciation changes during this period. The findings suggest that the Shakespearean period was a pivotal era in the history of English, characterized by rapid linguistic change and experimentation.
