Final answer:
The growth of commerce, industry, science, and literature significantly contributed to the development of the English language and literature. Advancements in technology and societal changes that enabled greater literacy and specialized production influenced the cultural and economic landscape, fostering the spread of literature and the shaping of English as a language.
Step-by-step explanation:
The growth of commerce and industry, as well as advancements in science and literature, certainly contributed to the development of English. The assertion that these elements of economic and cultural life played a role in shaping the English language and literature can be considered true. The period of the Industrial Revolution and subsequent times saw significant changes in society that not only fostered a greater production of goods and services but also influenced the creation and spread of literature. Industrial advances led to increased specialization in trades, the rise of capitalism as explained by Adam Smith, and further opportunities for the flourishing of literary culture due to improved publishing techniques and greater literacy among the public.
For instance, as manufacturing districts began to emerge in places like East London, people who specialized in trades produced goods for a broader market, which stimulated the economy. Simultaneously, advancements in technology, such as the First Transcontinental Railroad and steam-powered machinery, were prerequisites for the increase in literary productions and the expansion of literary culture across America.
Furthermore, these developments also influenced the creation and reinforcement of a common American identity, as indicated by the legacy of the French and Indian War and the market revolution in the United States. Enlightenment thinkers played a role in transforming societal views on economics, challenging mercantilist ideas with the possibility of wealth creation, which had a profound impact on socio-economic philosophies of the time.