Middle English refers to the period in the history of the English language that spanned from the 11th to the late 15th century (specifically, from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the advent of the printing press in England in the late 15th century).
During this time, Middle English went through significant changes in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation due to various factors such as the Norman Conquest, Latin influence, and blending with other languages like Old Norse and French. Middle English evolved from Old English, which was heavily rooted in Germanic languages, bringing with it a distinct shift in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
In terms of vocabulary, Middle English borrowed extensively from Norman French, resulting in a significant number of French loanwords that still exist in modern English. Additionally, Middle English saw the emergence of standardized spellings and the use of a wider range of verb conjugations.
Middle English literature holds great importance as it saw the emergence of notable works such as Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." The language used in these writings provides valuable insight into the linguistic changes and developments of the time.
Overall, Middle English is a vital period in the history of the English language, marking a transition from the Old English period to the Early Modern English period. Its study offers a glimpse into the linguistic evolution of English and the influences that shaped the language into what it is today.
