Why ‘Consonant’ is Not ‘Konsonant,’ ‘Calendar’ Not ‘Kalendar,’ and ‘Music’ Not ‘Musik’ in English
The English language, with its unique spelling and phonetic inconsistencies, can be perplexing to those unfamiliar with its history and development. One common question concerns why words such as 'consonant,' 'calendar,' and 'music' are spelt and pronounced the way they are, unlike their counterparts in other Germanic languages. This article explores these peculiarities through the lens of historical linguistic influences, specifically the impact of Norman French, Latin, and Old English.
Norman French Influence and Its Impact on English Spelling
The Norman French invasion of England in 1066 brought about significant changes to the English language, one of which was the incorporation of many loanwords. Unlike in other Germanic languages, the Normans replaced the use of the hard ‘c’ with a ‘k’, a change that did not occur in English. This is rooted in the influence of Norman French on English, particularly on loanwords of Latin or French origin.
Latin and French Loanwords in English
When Latin and French invaded the English language, they introduced loanwords that were not phonetically altered to match the Germanic languages. Words like 'consonant' remained unchanged, preserving the original Latin 'c.' Conversely, in German and other Scandinavian languages, the letter 'c' was often replaced by 'k' for words derived from Latin and Greek. For example, the German for 'king' is 'K?nig,' while the Old English word for king is 'cyning.' In Dutch, 'c' was also used, as in 'konink' (Old Dutch) and 'konink' (Middle Dutch).
Old English Orthography and the Evolution of Spelling
Old English already had a conventional way of using 'c' to represent the sound of 'k.' This is evidenced by the word 'cyning' for 'king,' which is similar to the German 'knig.' The preservation of this orthographic practice in English means that many words were not subject to the same phonetic changes that occurred in other Germanic languages. This consistency in spelling has helped maintain the integrity of some English words, despite the numerous influences from other languages.
Comparative Orthography in Other Germanic Languages
In languages like German, Danish, and Dutch, the 'k' sound is often represented by 'c.' This is why words such as 'konink' in Old Dutch or 'konink' in Middle Dutch closely resemble their English counterparts without the change to 'k.' However, in English, the constant use of 'c' has led to a preservation of the 'consonant' sound in words like 'calendar' and 'music,' making English stand out from its counterparts in other Germanic languages.
The Role of Latin and Its Influence on English Spelling
Additionally, the influence of Latin on the English language has played a significant role in the development of its orthography. Latin words and phrases, which were often adopted and romanized, did not undergo the same phonetic transformations as in other Germanic languages. This is evident in the retention of 'c' in words such as 'consonant,' where the Latin 'c' simply represents the 'k' sound without alteration.
Latin Loanwords in English Context
For example, the English word 'calendar' is a direct loan from Latin, meaning 'a board for writing on.' The original Latin word was 'kalēndāris,' which the English language adopted with minimal change, retaining 'c' instead of substituting a 'k.' Similarly, the word 'music' comes from Latin 'mūsica' and Germanic 'musik,' but it has remained spelled with a 'c' in English, reflecting its Latin origins.
Conclusion
Understanding the historical evolution of the English language provides a clearer picture of why certain words retain their form and pronunciation in patterns that differ from other Germanic languages. The influence of Norman French, the preservation of Old English orthography, and the adoption of Latin loanwords have all contributed to the unique spellings of words such as 'consonant,' 'calendar,' and 'music.' These words, largely due to their origins and the languages through which they were adopted, have remained an integral part of the English lexicon, offering a fascinating glimpse into the complex history of the English language.
Keywords: English spelling, Norman French influence, Germanic languages, Latin loanwords, orthography