Answer :
Final answer:
Middle English and Modern English differ significantly in vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation due to historical influences and changes over time. Many words from Middle English are related to their Modern English counterparts despite spelling variations. Notably, the Great Vowel Shift contributed to the changes in pronunciation from Middle English to Modern English.
Explanation:
Comparison of Middle English and Modern English
The comparison between Middle English and Modern English reveals significant differences in terms of vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation. During the Middle English period (1150-1500), the English language was heavily influenced by Norman French and Old Norse, leading to a considerable expansion of vocabulary and the introduction of new grammatical structures. As a result, many words from Middle English appear quite different from their Modern English counterparts, although many of them retain similar roots and meanings.
Specifically, the statement that best captures the relationship is: Many of the Middle English words are similar to the modern English words, even though the spellings differ. For example, the Middle English word chese has evolved into cheese in Modern English, showing a clear relationship despite a change in spelling.
Moreover, the Great Vowel Shift that occurred between the 1400s and 1700s further diverged pronunciation from spelling. Consequently, while some Middle English terms may now require a glossary for comprehension, the underlying language has roots that link it to Modern English.
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