Scientific Significance of Classical English Literature in the Development of Lexicon and Semantics

Human language likely began between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago, around the time early Homo sapiens appeared in Africa. Recent genetic studies suggest humans had the capacity for language by about 135,000 years ago, and language may have become widely used socially around 100,000 years ago. Some researchers think simpler “proto-language” systems may have existed much earlier in species such as Homo erectus or Homo habilis, possibly over 1 million years ago, but fully developed human language is generally linked with modern humans. A perusal of literature suggests that language started developing with the development of vocal cords. Interestingly, developed vocal cord has been the exclusive privilege of Homo sapiens because no other species seems to have possessed this attribute. Different languages have evolved in different parts of the world. In the present paper, our focus is on the Significance of Classical English Literature in the Development of Lexicon and Semantics. Our study is based on some famous English literature prior to and from Victorian Eras. A careful analysis shows that words used today in the common parlance have had very different spelling and pronunciation. We have taken some such words from classical literature and cited them in the modern form highlighting the process of their evolution. English language is rampantly used globally as a source of communication across the disciplines of human activities. Besides English Literature, this is used for Science, Research and Development, Information technology, Computer and Medical Science and almost every conceivable discipline that humans need. The rich repertoire of language provides ample working flexibilities offering a corsage of words to select from for most impactful semantics. This in turn enriches the English Lexicon facilitating even adoption of words from other languages. The evolution of Lexicon and Semantics, using classical literature is highlighted. It is envisaged that this paper would be useful both for students of literature and science augmenting overall enrichment of the language providing additional sophistication to human communication.