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Edwardian Era English Language

The language we speak has come across several time barriers and as such has also gone through numerous modifications. Every generation has their own take on English; some rebuild the words in their own fashion quite unconscious of the change while others do the same intentionally. The change irrespective of the purpose however is carried forth to the next generation who again adapt the language suiting own needs.

The early 1900s, to be precise 1900 to 1910 is usually referred to as the Edwardian era. It derives its name from King Edward VII who handled the responsibilities of the British throne in this time span. The Edwardian era is known for several important reforms in various fields one of the most important being in the language English.

The language English is said to have originated from the Anglo-Frisian dialect. Old English or the original form of English we use today was very different from our English. You will find it impossible to understand a single word of the same unless of course if you have specialized in the same.

After a series of changes from old English, Middle English and early modern English came up the modern English. The Edwardian era was only exposed to the modern English. Modern English was a completely new language when compared to old English.

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The unique features of modern English included the addition of several new words to the English vocabulary. Adding new words to the English vocabulary was essential because the industrial revolution had taken technology places and new words were required for the same.

Another reason included the wide and varied terrain of the English Empire which covered almost half our planet. Few local words were added to the English vocabulary at every other place the language visited hence creating a huge pile of words to be incorporated in the new vocabulary.

The Edwardian era saw numerous English novels by renowned writers hit the market stalls. Amongst the famous writers of that time were big names like P.G. Wodehouse, H.G. Wells, John Galsworthy, E. M. Forster, Arnold Bennett, etc. These Edwardian writers emphasized more on simple English rather than the use of complex vocabulary.

A literary works being understood was more important than the use of bombastic words. The introduction of mass newspapers in England was yet another stepping stone towards the acceptance of the simpler modern English.