Linguistic Variations During XVI and XVII Centuries

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The most important aspect we need to consider when talking about linguistic variation in these centuries is the Great Vowel Shift.

  • The Great Vowel Shift was first studied and described by a Danish linguist and Anglicist
  • Otto Jespersen (1860-1943)

    What is the Great Vowel Shift?

    • It was a massive sound change affecting the long vowels of English.

    • It was a phonetic change in a vowel or vowels.

  • It happened in eight steps:

    • Step 1: /i:/ and /u:/ drop and become /əɪ/ and /əu/

    • Step 2: /e:/ and /o:/ move up, becoming /i:/ and /u:/

    • Step 3: /a:/ moves forward to /æ/

    • Step 4: /ɛ:/ moves to /e:/ and /ɔː/ becomes /o:/

    • Step 5: /æ/ moves to /ɛ:/

    • Step 6: /e:/ moves to /i:/

    • Step 7: /ɛ:/ moves to /e:/

    • Step 8:/əɪ/ and /əu/ drop to /aɪ/ and /aʊ/; /o:/ becomes /əʊ/

Examples of vowel changes


1450 to 1550


Cole: Is that thy child?

Alice: Yea, her name is Ann.

Cole: A good and holy name.

Alice: Soon she will be three years of age.

Cole: Will she speak to me?

Alice:Yea, she speaks wonder loud.








1550 to 1650



Cole: Is that thy child?

Alice: Yea, her name is Ann.

Cole: A good and holy name.

Alice: Soon she will be three years of age.

Cole: Will she speak to me?

Alice:Yea, shespeakswonderloud.












1650 to 1750



Cole: Is that thy child?

Alice: Yea, her name is Ann.

Cole: A good and holy name.

Alice: Soon she will be three years of age.

Cole: Will she speak to me?

Alice: Yea, shespeakswonderfullyloud.













Interesting words or phrases from XVI and XVII centuries


  • How dost thou?: How are you?

  • Kickie-wickie: an affectionate term for a wife

  • Tis twixt one and two: It’s 1:30.

  • Borachio: a drunkard









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