This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In the 18th century, English in the British Isles underwent significant transformations, solidifying its status as the predominant language. While regional dialects persisted, the influence of the London dialect, fueled by the growth of trade, administration, and literature, played a central role in shaping a more standardized form of English. The period saw the emergence of influential literary figures such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Johnson, whose works contributed to language standardization. The spread of printed material, including newspapers and books, further homogenized English usage. The 18th century marked a crucial phase in the development of a unified and standardized English language that would continue to evolve and expand in the centuries to come.
In the early 18th century, the languages of Great Britain and Ireland were characterized by a rich tapestry of linguistic diversity. English had established itself as the primary language in England, while Scots and Scottish Gaelic were spoken in Scotland. In Ireland, Irish Gaelic was still widely used, alongside English. Welsh maintained its presence in Wales. This period reflects a time when various languages coexisted, each contributing to the cultural and linguistic mosaic of the British Isles.
Languages of the British Isles in 1700:
Anglic languages: English and Lowland-Scots and Ulster-Scots. These languages are both descended from old English. Old English spread from the Kingdom of Northumbria into most of the Lowlands. After a while, the English spoken in Scotland diverged into its own language. Ulster-Scots is spoken by the descendants of Scotsman who moved to Northern Ireland during the Ulster Plantations.
Brittonic languages:Welsh and Cornish. Both the Welsh and Cornish languages are languages that descended from the Brittonic language, that was pushed west by the invading Anglo-Saxon forces.
Gaelic: Manx Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic. The map seems to ignore the fact that these are three separate languages. All three languages are descended from Old Irish. The Gaelic languages are spoken in Ireland, The Isle of Man and the Highlands/Hebrides is Scotland (This area in Scotland is known as Gaidhealtachd in Scottish Gaelic, which translates to Gaeldom).
Norn: Norn was a Nordic language that was spoken in both Shetland and Orkney, it was descended from Norwegian.
Below is more detailed map of languages of the British Isles in 1750 created by @UKLanguageMaps.
Languages of Great Britain and Ireland in 1800
The map below created by Thumboy21 shows languages of Great Britain and Ireland in 1800.
In 1800 English had become the dominant language in England, while Scottish Gaelic and Scots were spoken in Scotland. In Ireland, English was increasingly prevalent, though Irish Gaelic persisted in many areas. Additionally, Welsh was spoken in Wales. This period marked a transitional phase, with English gaining prominence as a unifying force, contributing to the linguistic evolution of the region.
Nowadays, Cornish, Manx, Auregnais, and Norn are all extinct as first languages. Although there have been revival movements for them.
Want to learn any of the languages of the British Isles? Then have a look at the following books:
Gaelic Scots would be a descendant offshoot from pre-Northern Ireland. Scots would be Border Scots mixture with northern England in the south from the Longshanks era and most likely Pictish and Viking admixture in the north. This would be my guess.
OK, what’s the difference between Scots and Scottish Gaelic?
I had the same question.
“Scots is a dialect of English spoken by the lowland people of Scotland.”
See: http://www.sarahwoodbury.com/scots-scottish-and-gaelic-whats-the-difference/
Gaelic Scots would be a descendant offshoot from pre-Northern Ireland. Scots would be Border Scots mixture with northern England in the south from the Longshanks era and most likely Pictish and Viking admixture in the north. This would be my guess.