English Language History (1500 - 1700) Flashcards
What were the major social developments in England during 1500 - 1550?
During 1500–1550, the Renaissance spread across England, reviving classical learning and increasing literacy. This period saw a growing interest in arts and humanism, fostering an environment where intellectual pursuits and cultural refinement began to influence society.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1500 - 1550?
The widespread adoption of the printing press, introduced by William Caxton, standardised spelling and grammar. This innovation reduced regional variations and made literature more accessible, thereby shaping the development of the English language.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1500 - 1550?
England was involved in the Italian Wars and engaged in conflicts with Scotland, including the notable Battle of Flodden in 1513. These military events introduced new military and diplomatic vocabulary into English.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1500 - 1550?
Renaissance scholarship brought Latin and Greek words into English, significantly expanding its vocabulary. Additionally, the printing press helped standardise the language, and the ongoing Great Vowel Shift altered pronunciation, laying the foundations for Modern English.
What were the major social developments in England during 1550 - 1600?
During the Elizabethan era, England saw the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth I, which reshaped religious practices and vocabulary. The flourishing theatre, exemplified by Shakespeare’s works, further enriched everyday language and public discourse.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1550 - 1600?
Naval advancements, such as those leading to the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, spurred exploration and global trade. These improvements introduced new navigational and maritime terms into the English lexicon.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1550 - 1600?
England’s conflicts, particularly with Spain, brought maritime and trade-related terminology into common usage. The period’s military engagements and naval battles fostered the adoption of a broader range of military vocabulary.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1550 - 1600?
The era’s vibrant theatre scene, notably through Shakespeare, expanded English vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Additionally, English absorbed words from global trade (such as ‘tobacco’ and ‘potato’), signalling the early stages of English as a global language.
What were the major social developments in England during 1600 - 1650?
This period marked the beginning of English colonisation, with events like the founding of Jamestown in 1607 initiating contact with Native populations. Such encounters led to cultural exchanges and a diversification of the English language.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1600 - 1650?
The Scientific Revolution was in full swing, bringing about significant advances and the introduction of technical and scientific terms into English. The period saw the creation of specialised vocabulary to describe new discoveries and innovations.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1600 - 1650?
The English Civil War (1642–1651) had a profound impact on the language, as political pamphlets, debates, and propaganda introduced new political and military vocabulary. The conflicts spurred a more dynamic and nuanced public discourse.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1600 - 1650?
Loanwords from indigenous languages began to enter English during this time, while the publication of the King James Bible in 1611 helped shape the style and rhythm of English prose. The period’s complex political debates also enriched the language with specialised vocabulary.
What were the major social developments in England during 1650 - 1700?
Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, England experienced a renewal of social order. The rise of coffeehouses as centres of intellectual discussion fostered more engaged and informal public conversation.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1650 - 1700?
The Royal Society played a key role in promoting scientific writing in English instead of Latin, thus standardising technical vocabulary. This shift helped solidify English’s role in scholarly communication and scientific discourse.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1650 - 1700?
The Anglo-Dutch Wars during this period introduced numerous maritime and trade-related terms into everyday language. Military engagements helped integrate specialised vocabulary from the battlefield into common parlance.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1650 - 1700?
Scientific vocabulary expanded with new terms such as ‘gravity’ and ‘telescope’, while trade with India brought words like ‘bungalow’ and ‘shampoo’ into English. The increasing prestige of English as the language of science and scholarship further standardised its usage and global influence.
