Modern English in the Making

Abstract

The sixteenth century is often hailed as the golden age of the English language, though this becomes an apt description only during the Elizabethan period (Elizabeth I, 1558–1603). Yet we can see, during the whole of this century, that there was a growing pride and confidence in the English language. During the 200 years after William Caxton set up his printing press in London, the language continued to undergo great changes, especially changes that have social or cultural origins, rather than purely linguistic ones. This period, called Early Modern English, sees the forging of a modern standard English language.

When one turns to vocabulary one cannot but be impressed by the amazing hospitality of the English language. Wave after wave of words entered the language from French, Latin, and Italian …

Robert Burchfield, The English Language (1985)

So now they have made our English tongue a gallimaufry or hodgepodge [gallimaufry, hodgepodge = ‘ridiculous medley’] of all other speeches.

Edmund Spenser, Letter to Gabriel Harvey, The Shepherd’s Calendar (1579)