The social meaning of the third-person singular - <i>th</i> inflection in Early Modern English sermons

Abstract This study examines the use of third-person singular inflections -th and -s in Early Modern English sermons, adopting a micro-sociolinguistic approach. Focusing on linguistic data from the Corpus of Sermons in Early Modern English (CoSEME), it aims to explain how and why the -th form was retained longer in religious language despite the broader linguistic shift to the -s form. The paper employs third-wave sociolinguistic theories and analyses the data within two frameworks: discourse community and community of practice. By investigating sermons from three generations of preachers, the study identifies a notable divergence in the use of -th forms, linking these patterns to religious identity and practice. The findings reveal that -th forms gained social meaning as markers of solemnity and authenticity within the religious domain, particularly among certain religious communities. The analysis highlights a complex interplay between language, community, and identity, demonstrating that the use of -th forms was influenced by sociopolitical factors, individual agency, and communal linguistic norms. The paper contributes to understanding the role of social meaning in historical language variation and change, offering insights into how specific linguistic features may be maintained within genres to project identity and align with community values. It also assesses the utility of sociolinguistic community frameworks for analysing the social significance of linguistic variation in historical contexts.