MIDDLE ENGLISH AND PHONETIC FEATURES
Keywords:
Middle English, Phonological Changes, Lexical BorrowingsAbstract
The Middle English period (1150–1500 AD) represents a critical phase in the evolution of the English language, particularly shaped by the Norman Conquest of 1066. This period witnessed profound phonological, grammatical, and lexical changes. The influence of Norman French introduced a wealth of loanwords, especially in the areas of law, governance, and culture, while the Great Vowel Shift marked significant alterations in the pronunciation of vowels. Additionally, grammar simplified, with the reduction of inflectional endings and the standardization of word order. These transformations laid the foundation for Modern English, setting the stage for further linguistic developments.
References
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3. Lass, R. (1997). Historical Linguistics and Language Change. Cambridge University Press, pp. 102-120.
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