During which literary period did the Great Vowel Shift notably influence the language?

The Great Vowel Shift primarily took place during the late Middle English period, which significantly altered the pronunciation of long vowels in English. This linguistic transition began around the late 14th century and continued into the 18th century, leading to the phonemic structure of modern English. The changes altered vowel sounds, making them pronounced with a higher tongue position or causing them to diphthongize, which can still be seen in today’s pronunciations.

Understanding this shift is crucial for grasping how the English language evolved from Middle English into Early Modern English, impacting the language's spelling and pronunciation. The shift did not occur in the Old English period; instead, it resulted from socio-historical factors surrounding the Middle English period, such as the influence of Norman French following the Norman Conquest and developments in trade, education, and literacy. The British Romantic and Neoclassical periods followed the Great Vowel Shift and are characterized by different literary movements focusing on themes, styles, and philosophies rather than fundamental changes in the language itself.