MIDDLE ENGLISH

Definition of MIDDLE ENGLISH

MIDDLE ENGLISH Noun

The term Middle English functions as a noun and refers to the stage of the English language spoken and written roughly between the late 11th century and the late 15th century. It follows Old English and precedes Early Modern English, marking a significant period of linguistic evolution and transition.

Historical Language Stage (Noun): Middle English is a noun that designates a historical stage of the English language, positioned between Old English and Early Modern English.

Timeline: It encompasses the period from the late 11th century, marked by the Norman Conquest of England, to the late 15th century, which includes the introduction of the printing press.

Linguistic Changes: Middle English reflects a period of linguistic transformation, influenced by factors such as the Norman Conquest, the blending of languages, and social, cultural, and technological developments.

Dialectal Variation: During this period, regional dialects became more pronounced, contributing to a diverse linguistic landscape as different regions developed their linguistic characteristics.

Literary Works: Middle English is associated with notable literary works, including Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” which provides insights into the language and culture of the time.

Transition to Early Modern English: The end of the Middle English period marks the transition to Early Modern English, characterized by further linguistic changes and the standardization of the language.

Influence of French and Latin: Middle English saw the significant influence of French and Latin, with vocabulary and expressions borrowed from these languages, especially in legal, scientific, and religious contexts.

Chaucerian English: Geoffrey Chaucer’s writings in Middle English, particularly “The Canterbury Tales,” are considered emblematic of the language’s richness and diversity during this era.

In summary, Middle English as a noun refers to a historical stage of the English language, marked by linguistic changes, regional dialects, and the influence of French and Latin, covering the late 11th to late 15th centuries.

Synonyms

• Medieval English
• Early Modern English
• Historic English
• Antique English
• Archaic English
• Old-Middle English
• Ancestral English
• Vintage English

Antonyms

• Modern English
• Contemporary English
• Present-day English
• Current English
• Post-modern English
• 21st-century English
• Advanced English
• Progressive English