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Why were many grammars published for European vernacular languages by 1700?

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Ferdinand de Saussure seated in a formal pose, wearing a dark suit with a vest and sporting a thick mustache, circa 1900. — Linguistics Much of the foundation of 20th-century sociolinguistics was created by the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857–1913).

By 1700, grammars for 61 European vernacular languages had been printed, primarily driven by the need to reform, purify, or standardize these languages for pedagogical use.1

This trend was closely linked to the rise of vernacular nationalism during the Renaissance. As education became more broadly disseminated throughout society, the focus of grammatical study shifted from theoretical or technical inquiry to prescriptive grammar intended for schools. These grammars were designed to provide rules for "correct" usage, helping to create, standardize, and preserve national languages as they gained importance in public life.231

The development of the printing press played a critical role in this process, as it allowed for the widespread distribution of vernacular works, which helped establish standard modern forms for many languages. While these early grammars often relied on the traditional Latin model established by ancient grammarians like Priscian, they served as essential instruments for the new urban society and the educational institutions that emerged to meet its needs.321