Question

Tutorial:
Old spelling(s) for modern French (around 1650)

Answer 1

In the middle of the 17th century, the French language was roughly what it is today. But its spelling was very different and closer to that of Latin.

A series of reforms took place between 1650 and 1835, at the approximate rate of one every 12 years. The reason was that the spelling was so different from the pronunciation that it was impossible for children to learn how to read from French words. They had to be taught to read Latin first, then, once they were able to do so, they could start reading French.

To be able to decipher French words, you need to know that:

- there was only one script (u) for u and v : auec -> avec (with)
- there was only one script (i) for i and j : iamais -> jamais (never)
- there were two scripts for s : s at the end of words, ʃ at the beginning or in the middle
- vocalic i was sometimes spellt y
- fewer apostrophes were used : iay -> j'ai (I have)
- there were LOTS of mute consonants within words : laict -> lait (milk)

Now, combining these rules, what is this French verb: ʃuyure ?
Answer is here > \(\Large \color {white} {\text {suivre}}\) <

End of part 1.
Part 2 will describe the changes that were implemented in 1650 and 1667.

Answer 2

Wow thanks so much for your tutorial :)
En attente de la seconde parte :)

Answer 3

Comment puis-ie sauoir Si ie dois eScrire la "i" comme une "y"?

Answer 4

Today, y is retained only in its semi-vowel rôle, with the [j] pronunciation.
It can only be found at the end of names of people or places in its former i role.