Normalizing Tendencies

Establishment of the Written Standard

The Written Standard of the 1 7thc. was far less stabilized and normalized. The writings of the Renaissance display a wide range of variability at all linguistic levels. Correct usage and protection of the language from corruption and change became the subject of great concern and numerous discussions. In 1664 the Royal Society appointed a special committee "for improving the English tongue".

The fixed structures of dead languages – Greek and Latin – made the neo-classicists regard all linguistic change as corruption that ought to be checked. The role of English grammars and dictionaries in the period of normalization was very significant.

The greatest achievement of the 18th c. English lexicography is certainly connected with the name of Dr. Samuel Johnson, who believed that the English language should be purified and corrected.

5. New English Vocabulary

Borrowings from classical languages:

In the 16th and 17th centuries Latin was the main language of philosophy and science. There were some borrowings from Greek: pertained to scientific terminology, theatre and literature.

Borrowings from contemporary languages:

The influx of French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, German, Portuguese

and Russian words.

Borrowings from contemporary languages:

The influx of French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, German, Portuguese

and Russian words.

Дата добавления: 2014-01-03