Are contractions in the English language a relatively recent thing? Or is this a device in period dramas to give the impression of historical authenticity?

by devonhex

I notice in many period dramas, films and television programs, that actors will say "cannot" rather than "can't" or "do not" etc. For instance, the recent remake of True Grit, the series Mr Norrell & Jonathan Strange, and so on.

OldWorldGlory

Here is a past thread on the topic, although this topic certainly has room for expansion.