Short Questions with Answers
1. When did the Modern English period begin?
Answer : The Modern English period began in the 15th century.
2. Who introduced the printing press in England?
Answer : William Caxton introduced the printing press in England in 1476.
3. What was the major effect of the printing press on the English language?
Answer : The printing press helped standardize English spelling and grammar.
4. Why did English borrow words from other languages?
Answer : English borrowed words to express new ideas and technologies.
5. What languages did English borrow words from in the 16th and 17th centuries?
Answer : English borrowed words from Latin, Greek, French, Hindi, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Persian, Spanish, Dutch, Turkish, and Afrikaans.
6. What was the role of the Purists in English vocabulary?
Answer : The Purists tried to stop foreign words from entering English.
7. What is Dr. Samuel Johnson famous for in the history of English?
Answer : Dr. Samuel Johnson is famous for publishing A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755.
8. What did the 18th-century grammarians contribute to English?
Answer : They helped standardize English grammar and created rules for sentence structure.
9. Which major events in Europe influenced the development of Modern English?
Answer : The Renaissance and the Reformation influenced the development of Modern English.
10. What is the significance of Shakespeare in Modern English?
Answer : Shakespeare contributed many new words and expressions to English.
11. Which language influenced English words like “guru” and “pundit”?
Answer : Hindi influenced words like “guru” and “pundit.”
12. What were the major factors that contributed to the growth of Modern English?
Answer : The growth of commerce, industry, the expansion of the British Empire, and the rise of the printing press all contributed to the growth of Modern English.
13. What does the term “Modern English I” refer to?
Answer : “Modern English I” refers to the development of English from the 15th century, particularly influenced by the printing press and the rise of literacy.
14. What is the significance of The Authorized Version of the Bible in English?
Answer : The Authorized Version of the Bible helped simplify and spread English, making it more accessible to people.
15. Why did English need to borrow words from other languages in the 16th and 17th centuries?
Answer : English needed to borrow words to express new ideas and advancements in science, art, and culture.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. How did the Renaissance influence the English language?
Answer : The Renaissance brought many new ideas from Latin and Greek, which enriched English vocabulary. It led to the introduction of words related to science, literature, and art. This period expanded the English language and made it more expressive.
2. What role did globalization play in the spread of English?
Answer : Globalization made English important for business, communication, and education worldwide. It spread through international trade and became the main language in global forums. English is now a common language for people across different countries.
3. What was the main goal of Dr. Samuel Johnson’s dictionary?
Answer : Dr. Johnson’s dictionary aimed to standardize English spelling and provide clear definitions for words. It helped unify the language and established English as a more formalized system. His dictionary became a key reference for English speakers.
4. Why did English evolve into Modern English?
Answer : English evolved into Modern English due to the spread of literacy, the rise of the British Empire, and the influence of events like the Renaissance and Reformation. These factors led to changes in vocabulary and grammar. The development of the printing press also helped standardize the language.
5. How did the British Empire contribute to the growth of Modern English?
Answer : The expansion of the British Empire spread English to many parts of the world. English became the language of administration, trade, and education in these regions. Over time, English became a global language.
6. What is the significance of A Dictionary of the English Language by Dr. Samuel Johnson?
Answer : Dr. Samuel Johnson’s dictionary was one of the first to provide standardized definitions and spellings for English words. It helped clarify the usage of words and improved the consistency of the language. His work is considered a major contribution to Modern English.
7. What is the role of grammar books in the 18th century?
Answer : Grammar books in the 18th century helped standardize English grammar. They provided rules for sentence structure and usage. These books helped shape English into a more regulated language, ensuring correct grammar in written and spoken forms.
8. What impact did Shakespeare’s works have on the English language?
Answer : Shakespeare’s works contributed many new words and expressions to English. His creativity with language and his innovative use of vocabulary expanded the expressive power of English. His plays also made English more accessible and influential.
9. How did the introduction of foreign words affect English in the 16th and 17th centuries?
Answer : The introduction of foreign words expanded English vocabulary. Words from languages like Latin, French, and Hindi added depth to the language. This borrowing was necessary to express new ideas and advancements in various fields.
10. What changes did Modern English go through from the 15th to the 18th century?
Answer : Modern English went through rapid changes in vocabulary, especially with the addition of foreign words. The rise of literacy and the printing press helped standardize the language. By the 18th century, the language was more regulated with the publication of grammar books and dictionaries.
Long Questions with Answers
1. How did the printing press influence the development of Modern English?
Answer : The printing press, introduced by William Caxton in 1476, helped standardize English spelling and grammar. It made books cheaper and more widely available, increasing literacy across England. As more people learned to read, English became more unified. The press also spread a more formal version of the language throughout the country. This played a key role in shaping Modern English.
2. What were the major factors that contributed to the spread of English globally?
Answer : The spread of English was greatly influenced by the British Empire’s expansion. English was adopted as the language of administration, trade, and education in many countries. With globalization, English became the dominant language in international business and communication. The rise of the internet and technology further cemented English’s role as a global language. English is now widely taught and used around the world.
3. What role did the Renaissance and Reformation play in the growth of Modern English?
Answer : The Renaissance brought new ideas from classical languages like Latin and Greek, enriching English with scientific, literary, and artistic terms. The Reformation led to the translation of the Bible into English, making the language more accessible to the masses. Both events pushed English to expand its vocabulary and become more expressive. These movements also inspired a desire for greater literacy and education in English-speaking populations. They helped establish English as a key language in literature and religion.
4. How did 18th-century grammarians shape the structure of Modern English?
Answer : 18th-century grammarians like Robert Lowth and Lindley Murray helped standardize English grammar. They codified the rules for sentence structure, spelling, and word usage. Their works aimed to resolve disputes in grammar usage and establish norms for correct English. These grammar books became essential references for writers and speakers of the time. Their efforts laid the foundation for the grammar rules used in Modern English.
5. What were the major changes in English vocabulary during the 16th and 17th centuries?
Answer : During the 16th and 17th centuries, English absorbed a large number of words from other languages like Latin, French, and Spanish. The Renaissance led to the introduction of terms related to art, science, and literature. The expansion of the British Empire and the growth of trade also contributed to new words entering the language. English borrowed words to express new ideas and advancements in various fields. This period marked a significant expansion of the English lexicon.
6. Why is Shakespeare considered an important figure in the history of Modern English?
Answer : Shakespeare is considered a key figure in the history of Modern English because of his immense contribution to the language. He invented many words and expressions that are still used today. His plays and poems showcased the creative potential of English, pushing the boundaries of vocabulary and grammar. Shakespeare’s work made English richer and more expressive, influencing generations of writers. His impact on the development of Modern English is unmatched.
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