A Comparative Analysis of Morphological Changes in Old and Modern English:

Evolution, Patterns and Implications University of Africa, Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the morphological and phonological changes that have occurred in the English language over time, 
specifically focusing on the transition from Old English to Modern English. The research draws upon a wide range of sources, including 
Old English texts, dictionaries, Modern English texts, and linguistic studies, to conduct a comprehensive analysis. By employing Labov's (1981) theory of language change and variation, the study investigates the evolution of Old English morphological structures and its impact on Modern English. A selection of 20 Old English words and their Modern English counterparts serves as the basis for examining the morphological patterns of change and variation in Old English vocabulary. The study employs descriptive and comparative approaches, analysing representative linguistic samples from both Old English and Modern English texts. The findings reveal that the morphological changes in Old and Modern English reflect a trend towards simplification, regularization, and the loss of complex inflectional systems, while providing insights into the impact of these changes on language comprehension, communication, and language acquisition.