Here's why:
* Mass Production: The printing press enabled the mass production of books, pamphlets, and other printed materials. Before this, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them extremely rare and expensive. The printing press made knowledge and information more accessible to the general public.
* Standardization: The printing press required a standardized form of the language to be effective. Printers needed to agree on spellings, punctuation, and grammar to ensure that their books were legible and understandable to a wide audience. This standardization helped to unify the language and make it more consistent across different regions.
* Dissemination of Ideas: The printing press facilitated the spread of ideas, knowledge, and literature across geographic boundaries. This helped to connect different communities and contribute to a greater sense of linguistic unity.
While other factors contributed to language standardization, such as the rise of national education systems and dictionaries, the printing press was a pivotal invention that set the stage for widespread and standardized communication.