The Renovation of English Vocabulary from Old English to Modern Research Paper

The Renovation of English Vocabulary from Old English to Modern English - Research Paper Example In the transformation of English language from Old English to Modern English, crucial changes have taken place in vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation which is illustrated by an analysis of these elements in ‘Canterbury Tales’ compared with Modern English equivalents. In the Text 81 from the ‘Canterbury Tales’ one finds several examples of the origins of the vocabulary and a comparison of the original Old English vocabulary and their Modern English equivalents proves how the vocabulary developed overages. The Friar’s Prologue in ‘Canterbury Tales’, for example, opens with the lines: â€Å"This worthy lymytour, this noble free, / He made always a manner louring chiere / Upon the somonour, but for honesty / No vileyns word as yet to him speak he.† (Freeborn) This can be read in the Modern English as follows: â€Å"This worthy limiter, this noble friar, / He turned always a lowering face, and dire, / Upon the summoner, but for cou rtesy / No rude and insolent word as yet spoke he.† (Freeborn) The changes or the developments in each of these items can be easily recognised by the readers and this progress in the vocabulary of the language reflects the general nature of English language which has developed over several periods. In conclusion, the history of English language establishes that the language progressed from Old English to Middle English to Early Modern English and the vocabulary is a major area of language in which variations are more readily noticeable over long stretches of time.