General Features:
* Formal Language: Language tended to be more formal than today, with a greater emphasis on proper grammar and vocabulary.
* Slang and Colloquialisms: While formal language was important, slang and colloquialisms were also used, but often varied by region and social class.
* Pronounciation: Some pronunciations have changed over time, such as the "a" in "bath" and "dance," which used to be pronounced with a more open "ah" sound.
* Vocabulary: There were words and phrases common in 1912 that are less common today, and vice versa.
Specific Examples:
* "Gentleman" and "Lady": These terms were used more frequently than today, reflecting a more hierarchical society.
* "Telephone": This was a relatively new technology, and the word might have been pronounced with more emphasis on the "e" sound.
* "Motorcar": This was a common term for a car, and the word "automobile" was considered more formal.
* "Wireless": This was the term for radio, which was still a novelty.
* "A penny for your thoughts": This was a common idiom, reflecting the value of currency at the time.
To get a sense of language use in 1912:
* Read literature from that period: Works by authors like Edith Wharton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Rudyard Kipling will give you an idea of the writing style and vocabulary of the time.
* Listen to recordings: If you can find recordings of people speaking from 1912, you'll hear how the language sounded.
* Watch films: Films from the era will also give you a glimpse into the language and culture of the time.
Remember, language is constantly changing. What sounds natural to us today might sound strange to someone from 1912, and vice versa.