Language Change
Why English is Weird
Phonology
1. The Great Vowel Shift
Between 1400 and 1700, English pronunciation changed massively, but the spelling stayed the same (thanks to the printing press).
Example:
Example:
- Old: "Name" sounded like "Naam-uh".
- New: "Name" sounds like "Neim".
This is why spelling often doesn't match sound!
Grammar
2. Fossilized Subjunctive
We used to have a complex Subjunctive mood (like French/Spanish). Now, it only survives in "frozen" phrases.
Examples:
Examples:
- "God save the King." (Not "saves")
- "Be that as it may."
- "If I were you."
Pronouns
3. The Lost "Thou"
English used to distinguish between Formal (You) and Informal (Thou).
| Subject: | Thou (You) |
| Object: | Thee (You) |
| Possessive: | Thy / Thine (Your) |
Shakespeare Meets You 🎭
Comparing structures.
Shakespeare 📜
Whither goest thou?
(Lit: To where go you?)
Modern Student 🎒
Where are you going?
Shakespeare 📜
Methinks thou art weary.
(Lit: It seems to me you are tired.)
Modern Student 🎒
I think I'm tired.
🔍 Analysis:
Notice the verb ending "-est" (goest) used with "Thou". Also, "Methinks" preserves an old impersonal verb structure ("It thinks to me").
Grammar Excavation ⛏️
Spot the archaic grammar.
1. "If need be." What kind of grammar is this?
2. Why is there a 'k' in 'Knife'?
3. "With this ring, I thee wed." What is "Thee"?
Mission 📝
Translate to Old English.
Rewrite this sentence:
"I give you my heart."
Use archaic forms:
"I give thee my heart."
(Note: "My" becomes "Mine" before a vowel, e.g., "Mine eyes", but "My heart" is okay).
(Note: "My" becomes "Mine" before a vowel, e.g., "Mine eyes", but "My heart" is okay).