Standardisation of the English Language

Standardisation of the English Language

• Dr. Samuel Jonhson published the most famous first extensive English dictionary published in 1755 and was the standardisation for spellings, definitions and meanings. The dictionary enlisted 40,000 words and took 8 years to compile.
• This dictionary made the Midlands accents the preferred way of writing and spelling and the dictionary was based on this accent.
• Now words and spellings were written and recorded so standardisation began.
• After the English dictionary was published, Lowth published grammar books in 1762 to meet the demand for 'politeness' and 'correct' English in a newly standardised society. This included standardised past participles.
• These grammar books were re-issued all the way up to 1800 so all became more aware of grammar rules and spellings.