Effects on the language:

Caxton introduced printing to England, which was a key element in the promotion of a dialect to a superior status. This brought about many changes in the structure of society in England, and English was transformed from a vernacular language into a national language with a “standardised variety” identified with England as a nation state.

It would have been very complicated and unprofitable for Caxton to have printed works in all the dialects of England, so he had to choose one over all the rest, & he chose South East Midlands. That now meant people from all corners of England, from all walks of life, could read the same works, simultaneously. One could say that since King Alfred’s time, this was the first giant step to “Standardise” English and unite the whole country with a common written dialect. This would have played a great part in satisfying needs of unity & patriotism, and would have created feelings of community throughout the entire country.

The origins of a “national language” came from the European Renaissance, believing language to be an instrument that could be moulded to suit the “national” purpose.

English though, was in no fit state to take over from Latin. It had problems with everyday communication, never mind at state & institutional level. Spelling varied from region to region and there was not even an agreed alphabet. If English was to be used for the many functions at a national level, unite & nationalise the country, there would have to be a standard variety & it would have to be analysed, elaborated & developed.

How does one choose one dialect over all others? One answer could be to choose the dialect which is the most prestigious, and which is universally easiest to understand. The latter reason would be difficult to agree on, depending on many elements such as; if you came from the Lancaster then it may be easier for you to understand someone from York than someone from Wessex.

The grammar & vocabulary of the chosen variety would need to be developed for a wider range of functions, & there would have to be plenty of works available in it. Writers should be discouraged using other varieties and encouraged to develop loyalty & pride in the chosen standard variety.

Watch this space for “The Elaboration of English!”