Furthermore, these dialects had no standardized spelling system, and writing was primarily confined to religious texts and legal documents.
However, we can trace the development of certain features that led to a more regular spelling system in later stages of Old English, the language spoken by the Saxons:
* The development of a standardized alphabet: The use of the Latin alphabet, introduced by Christian missionaries, gradually replaced the runes that were used for writing Old English. This provided a more consistent set of symbols for representing sounds.
* The emergence of grammatical conventions: Over time, scholars and scribes began to establish conventions for spelling and grammar, which helped to regulate the language's written form. This process was influenced by the Latin language and was particularly pronounced in the late 10th and early 11th centuries.
* The influence of the Norman Conquest: The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought about significant changes in English, including the adoption of some French words and spelling conventions. This further standardized the spelling of Old English, though it also led to the introduction of new inconsistencies.
Therefore, it's inaccurate to point to a specific date when the spelling of Saxon language became more regular. Instead, it was a gradual process that spanned several centuries and was influenced by a combination of factors.
Keep in mind that the term "Saxon" refers to a broad period and language group. Individual dialects within that group developed their own spelling conventions at different rates.