It's difficult to pinpoint an exact date for the introduction of contractions into English, as they developed gradually. However, we can look at some key points:
* Old English (450-1150 AD): Contractions were not common, with words like "is not" and "will not" being written out fully.
* Middle English (1150-1500 AD): Contractions started appearing more frequently, with forms like "can't" and "don't" becoming more common.
* Early Modern English (1500-1800 AD): Contractions became increasingly widespread and accepted as part of standard English usage.
Why contractions weren't used in "True Grit":
* Historical accuracy: The film is set in the 1880s, and the script uses dialogue that reflects the speech patterns of the time. People in that era often spoke in a more formal style, avoiding contractions.
* Literary effect: The lack of contractions contributes to the film's overall atmosphere of formality and seriousness. It creates a sense of distance between the audience and the characters, making their dialogue seem more weighty and poetic.
So, while contractions have been a part of English for centuries, "True Grit" chose to use a more archaic style for both historical and artistic reasons.