Shakespeare's Writing in Early Modern English: Debunking the Myths

Let us tackle the common misconception that William Shakespeare wrote in Old English instead of the Early Modern English of his time. While this notion might seem plausible due to the vast temporal distance from our current era, it is important to understand the historical and linguistic context surrounding Shakespeare's work.

Common Stages of English

The language of the English-speaking world has evolved through distinct stages, each characterized by unique linguistic features and historical events. The commonly recognized stages are:

Old English (500-1100): The language of the Anglo-Saxons, marked by inflections and a Germanic influence. Middle English (1100-1500): Characterized by significant changes due to Scandinavian invasions and the Norman Conquest. Early Modern English (1500-1800): The period in which Shakespeare's works were written, featuring continued evolution of the language. Modern English (1800-today): The current form of the language, with the Great Vowel Shift completed.

Given that Shakespeare wrote his works in the 16th and early 17th centuries, it is clear that he employed Early Modern English, a stage that follows the Middle English period. This transition period saw significant linguistic and societal changes, including the impact of the Great Vowel Shift, a critical phonological change that took place during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Great Vowel Shift: A Critical Period in Linguistic Evolution

The term "Great Vowel Shift" might evoke a sense of sarcasm, but it is a real and essential component in the evolution of the English language. This adjustment in the pronunciation of long vowels began around the early 15th century and continued through the 17th century. It dramatically transformed the pronunciation of long vowel sounds, often necessitating changes in spelling to reflect the altered pronunciation. The Great Vowel Shift marked the transition from Middle English to Early Modern English and set the stage for the more recognizable Modern English. Shakespeare's works are a testament to this evolution, with a mix of Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English elements.

Shakespeare's Language: Late 16th to Early 17th Century English

When Shakespeare wrote, he would have been using the language of the day, which was Elizabethan English, a form of Early Modern English. This language was the bedrock of his lexicon and the tool through which he conveyed his literary genius. The language of England during Shakespeare's era, particularly during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I, cannot be described as "old Elizabethan English." Instead, it was a living, dynamic language that was both a continuation and a development of the predecessors.

Shakespeare's plays and poems are remarkably readable by contemporary readers, though some archaic spellings and pronunciations may pose challenges. Throughout his works, we see a blend of familiar Modern English structures with linguistic features that are distinctly Early Modern English. This balance means that Shakespeare's writing is a conditional, yet firm example of Modern English in a broader sense. His works are a bridge between the Middle English of Chaucer and the Modern English we use today, showcasing the richness and evolution of the English language over time.

Chaucer's Middle English and Shakespeare's Early Modern English

It is also worth noting that Geoffrey Chaucer wrote in a form of Middle English, a time when the English language was still evolving. However, Shakespeare did not revert to Old English; rather, he continued to use the Early Modern English of his time, which had undergone significant changes due to the Great Vowel Shift and other linguistic developments.

In conclusion, Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English, a stage that followed Middle English and led to the Modern English we speak today. His works are a reflection of the language of his era, capturing both the changes and the continuity in the development of the English language. Understanding this context helps us appreciate Shakespeare's works as a product of linguistic evolution, rather than a throwback to outdated forms of the language.