During which time period did the Great Vowel Shift primarily occur?

The Great Vowel Shift is a significant phonetic change in the English language that primarily took place from the 15th to the 18th centuries. During this period, vowels were pronounced with a different quality, leading to substantial changes in the way many English words were spoken and subsequently written. This shift is crucial in understanding the evolution of English pronunciation, as it marks the transition from Middle English to Early Modern English.

The correct time frame captures the essence of this transformation, which influenced the way words were articulated, thereby affecting the overall structure of the language. The impact of the Great Vowel Shift is still evident today in the discrepancies between spelling and pronunciation found in English. Understanding this time frame is crucial for grasping the historical developments in English phonetics and linguistics.