MIDDLE ENGLISH Meaning and
Definition
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Middle English refers to the period of the English language's development between the 11th and the 15th centuries. It is the phase that followed Old English and preceded Early Modern English. Middle English emerged as a result of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 when the French-speaking Normans invaded and ruled the country. This event led to a significant influence of French on the English language.
During the Middle English period, there was a gradual transition in the language, with the adoption of many French words and the transformation of English grammar and pronunciation. Middle English is characterized by the development of a more elaborate vocabulary and the emergence of a standardized writing system. The influence of French during this era resulted in a significant borrowing of words related to law, government, religion, and food, among others.
The Middle English period also saw the rise of vernacular literature, with notable works such as Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" and Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur." The changes in pronunciation during this time eventually led to the Great Vowel Shift, which further transformed the English language.
In conclusion, Middle English represents a transitional phase in the development of the English language. It denotes the period between Old English and Early Modern English, characterized by the influence of French vocabulary, changes in grammar and pronunciation, and the emergence of notable literary works.
Common Misspellings for MIDDLE ENGLISH
- niddle english
- kiddle english
- jiddle english
- muddle english
- mjddle english
- mkddle english
- moddle english
- m9ddle english
- m8ddle english
- misdle english
- mixdle english
- micdle english
- mifdle english
- mirdle english
- miedle english
- midsle english
- midxle english
- midcle english
- midfle english
Etymology of MIDDLE ENGLISH
The term "Middle English" is derived from two separate words:
1. Middle: It comes from the Old English word "middel", meaning "middle" or "central". It is related to the Middle Low German word "mittel" and the Old Norse word "miðr". The word "middel" eventually evolved into "middle" in Modern English.
2. English: It refers to the language of the English people. The word "English" itself is derived from the Old English word "Englisc", which was used to describe the language spoken by the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes that settled in England during the Dark Ages. It is believed to have originated from the Old Saxon word "Englisk", which means "related to the Angles".
Therefore, the term "Middle English" combines the idea of the central or middle period with the language spoken by the English people during that time.
