* Evolutionary, not revolutionary: Spelling has evolved gradually over centuries, influenced by:
* Sound changes: Pronunciation shifts, like the Great Vowel Shift, led to different spellings.
* Borrowing from other languages: Words adopted from French, Latin, Greek, etc., brought their own spelling conventions.
* Standardization efforts: Dictionaries and printing presses helped create more consistent spelling, but some variations remain.
* No central authority: Unlike some languages with official academies, English spelling has no single authority dictating changes.
* Ongoing change: Even today, new words and changes in pronunciation subtly influence spelling.
Key periods of significant change:
* Old English (c. 450-1150): A largely phonetic system, but less standardized.
* Middle English (c. 1150-1500): French influence, more variation.
* Early Modern English (c. 1500-1800): Printing and dictionaries brought more uniformity, but inconsistencies remained.
* Modern English (c. 1800-present): Spelling largely standardized, but minor variations persist and new words continue to be introduced.
Instead of "when was spelling changed," it's more accurate to ask:
* How has spelling changed over time?
* What factors influenced spelling changes?
* Why are some spellings inconsistent?
Understanding the historical evolution of English spelling provides context for its current state and the ongoing process of language change.