ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The history of the English language is traditionally divided into the following periods: Old English (650-1100), Middle English (1100-1500), Early Modern English (1500-1800), Late Modern English (1800-present day) (for a general overview see Horobin 2016).

Detailed explanation-2: -The transition from Old English to Middle English is primarily defined by the linguistic changes that were taking place in grammar, with Old English losing most of its inflectional endings, and word order becoming the primary means of expression.

Detailed explanation-3: -The earliest form of English was known as Old English, which was spoken until around the 11th century. Middle English emerged after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and it was spoken until the late 15th century. Modern English began to develop in the 16th century, and it has continued to evolve since then.

Detailed explanation-4: -Middle English: Middle English was from 1100 AD to 1500 AD or, in other words, from late 11th century to late 15th century. Modern English: Modern English was from 1500 AD till the present day, or from late 15th century to the present.

Detailed explanation-5: -Middle English then evolved into Modern English through the introduction of more well-documented works, printing technology, and a marked shift in vowels and standardization.