Middle English- Dialect and Diversity, Essay Example

Present-day English dialects links to Old English period and some of the links retained to present-day, which include northern, central and subdivisions of southern regions. Dialects English linguistics study dates back to 19th century, which is an off spin of Indo-European studies, and researches on rural dialects contributing to the development of key languages of European culture. Some of the famous English dialectology includes Ellis Alexander who published dialects of English study. He was later followed by Wright Joseph who still used Ellis concepts, but incorporated grammar. This contributed immensely to the development of Modern English language and influenced pronunciation, vowels and consonants displayed in writing and talking. English roots from Indo-European and today, it is the world’s first language spoken and written. Having evolved from British Isles, English has spread to the United States, through empires present in Britain to other parts in the globe. English has gained pre-eminence internationally and contributes to roles and language in different parts of the world.

In the history of English language, Middle English language, which began in 1150-1500, played a significant part. In this period also, dialect and diversity was principal since people from one part of the region (for example, England) could not understand from other parts of the region. However, spoken London dialect was slowly becoming standardized. From the literature, it is evident that Middle English developed from Old Norman English language. In addition, literary dialect formation marked the emergence and development of Central Middle English, which later spread to the London dialect. English language changed due to a series of events in Early Middle periods the language, which replaced preposition construction of grammar.

The uniqueness of English is attributed to a mixture of varied ethnic cultures and groups like those of the contemporary Americans. Nowadays, commentators occasionally complain of new words and phrases, speech sloppiness infusion that emanate from Canada, New Zealand, United States and part of British colony. From the article, it is clear that enclaves of linguistics contributed significantly to England’s multilingualism, which is an important on English language development. This means that the English language is a living and evolving construct, not a stone. Commentators’ emanations have corrupted the “purity” of Queen’s English, which was never pure. Scholars are still trying to compress findings on English dialects and diversity, which contributes significantly to speaking. English, a West Germanic language, originated from the dialects of Indo-European, which was brought by invaders of Germanic tradition to the British colony. Old English, a diverse dialectic group, reflect on Anglo-Saxon origin kingdoms of England. In the Middle Age, English as a language underwent many extensive challenges. Transformation from this stage to Modern language dates back to invasion waves and vocabulary of this modern time language is associated to Anglo-Norman.

The usage of dialects in English in modern, sophisticated language implies a range of relevant features encompassing phonetics to pragmatics functions. Additionally, it is inclusive of the formation of the word to phraseology. North and south English dialects differ in pronunciation styles. As depicted by French orthography, pronunciation of Modern English reflects somewhat to Late Middle English. Studies show that it has adopted French spelling practices, which in the latter language, are superfluous. Additionally, accents appear above vowels showing that they are long. Many variations exist between Middle English dialects and others, but the most notable development emphasized is standardization (“standard language”). This is a countertendency, which characterizes Middle English thus, has great dialectical diversity than in Old English.

The paradigm shift from Old to Middle language is a fascinating experience because it entails the copying and application of French terms, vowels and consonants developing into current or New English language. This gives clear features of how dialects transferred and developed through interactions of varying degree relations. Dissimilar languages (French and English) have different linguistic makeup, but provide readers with clear pictures on how language connectedness is exemplified. As mentioned earlier, standardization is further explained by looking at how copying of English increases in the Middle English language period. This was useful to those who trained and copied scribes among the English literature. This impacted profoundly book changing production since it contributed to the development of dialects and book prints in today’s English language.

Standard English is said to come into play effectively at the end of Middle English language period. The principal dialectical areas of English language are evident in manuscript words, spelling and grammar. For example, in West Midland and North dialects, words such as their, they and them were written as this whereas other dialects like southerners wrote them as here, hi and hem. A difference in languages across dialectical borders affected people’s interaction of regions and thus, slowed down the spread of linguistic features and entrenching differences. This attributed significantly to non-emergence of standards for three whole centuries. Differences in dialect increased during the ME due to the population of English-speaking with limited mobility thus, contributed to isolation in linguistic and proliferation that consequently gave rise to dialectal differences.

However, over the Middle English period, areas of English dialects changed internally for instance, texts written in the south differed from those of the West Midlands. In addition, a text written in 1200 of West Midland differed from those written in 1400. With this in mind, it is difficult to be able to distinguish chronological and regional aspects. Also, if we are to use spelling in bringing out the existing difference between Old and Modern English, we are not going to reach the objective. This is because speakers of both American and British English pronounce words like schedule and lieutenant the same. On the other hand, spelling differences bring out the contrasts in words like check, cheque, realize and realize. In summary, during the ME period, great dialectical diversity is noted, but did not make great appearance then. Relatively, loss of OE scribal tradition texts enabled preexisting dialectal differences.

Dialects existence is in a continuum form, but territorial boundaries contribute to network contact failure thus, impedes on innovative spread of linguistic features. Around 1372, Chester monk increased diversification of English and wrote Polychronicon (encyclopedia). The period of Old English, the identity associated to English had cultivated in part in the course of English language specialness. London dialect is unique since it shows distinctive styles of innovation, which exercises permanent English language influence incorporated in Middle English work. Eventually, this became a standard part of English language. However, it is intriguing to note how this dialect has an identical syntax to Old English Language.

The Middle English dialect is a descendant of West Saxon and shows little influence from other languages and thus, contributed immensely to different dialects presented. The difference in political, social and military influence contributed to isolation of dialects with regard to geographical senses. The use of the nose and mouth during the Middle English period is as a result of diversification brought about by French culture and traditions. It is asserted that, French contributes to English language dialects and diversity in Modern times since it gives a clear distinction on how the lengthening and shortening of vowels relates to current pronunciation. This is in reference to current diversified modes of pronunciation displayed by different groups of individuals in society.

Some of the common features associated to Middle English phonology contributed to today’s development of the language include vowel changes displayed. Additionally, open syllables lengthening and lowering as depicted mainly affected high end vowels. Another feature of Middle English in relation to lengthening syllable aspects entails understanding of mora notion. In English, bimoric links, to all diphthongs and long vowels. Further, English history recognizes lengthening to be compensatory since consonant loss, which is its mora is automatically transferred to vowels proceeding. It is true to say that, people pronounce differently depending on their cultural background, life style, food and environment. For example, it is hard for native speakers to make clear sentences be understood by non-native speakers because they use their tongue and nose when pronouncing words and vowels. This has interfered with diversity models of the English language in developing countries because their dialects are still complying with rules of ancient times.

In summary, grammatical changes continue to evolve while anglicized and wealthy governments continue to emerge. Vocabulary changes have prompted the existing difference between the Old and Modern English language. Complex ending systems in Old English language has lost simplicity of the spoken dialect to date. At the end of Middle English, this language still remains as the mode of communication for most populations in the world. Consequently, students face hard times differentiating between existing English language forms, which promote culture and life styles of different nations of the world. Middle and Old English language have variations that contribute to aspects of diversity and dialect construction. Different authors give different aspects to how Middle and Old English language dialects and development affect today’s society. Nevertheless, none of authors can conclusively elaborate the existing relation between Old and Middle English language. As a result, further research is needed in order to come up with convincing and substantial evidence on diversity and development.