MIDDLE GREEK Meaning and
Definition
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Middle Greek refers to the period of Greek language and literature that emerged between the 8th and 12th centuries AD. It is considered an intermediary stage between Classical Greek, the language used by ancient Greek authors, and Modern Greek, the language spoken in Greece today. Middle Greek evolved during the Byzantine Empire, which encompassed Greece and other parts of the Eastern Mediterranean.
During this period, the Greek language underwent significant changes, both in its spoken and written forms. Middle Greek retained many features of Classical Greek, such as its rich vocabulary and complex grammar, but it also adopted new linguistic elements from other languages, particularly Latin and various eastern, non-Greek languages. This linguistic evolution was influenced by the political, cultural, and religious aspects of the Byzantine Empire.
Middle Greek is often associated with a flourishing of Byzantine literature, including works in various genres such as poetry, history, philosophy, and theology. These texts provide valuable insights into the linguistic, cultural, and intellectual developments of the time. Middle Greek was also used for official purposes, including legal documents and administrative correspondence within the Byzantine Empire.
Overall, Middle Greek marks an important transitional period in the development of the Greek language, serving as a bridge between the ancient and modern forms. Its significance lies not only in the linguistic changes it introduced but also in the wealth of literature it produced, contributing to the cultural heritage of the Byzantine Empire.
Common Misspellings for MIDDLE GREEK
- niddle greek
- kiddle greek
- jiddle greek
- muddle greek
- mjddle greek
- mkddle greek
- moddle greek
- m9ddle greek
- m8ddle greek
- misdle greek
- mixdle greek
- micdle greek
- mifdle greek
- mirdle greek
- miedle greek
- midsle greek
- midxle greek
- midcle greek
- midfle greek
Etymology of MIDDLE GREEK
The word "Middle Greek" refers to the Greek language as it was spoken and written between the 8th and 15th centuries. The term "Middle Greek" itself does not have a specific etymology, as it is simply a descriptive phrase that combines the words "Middle" and "Greek" to indicate the time period and language variety. "Middle" originates from the Old English word "middel", meaning "middle" or "in-between", and "Greek" comes from the Latin word "Graecus", which ultimately derives from the Greek word "Γραικός" (Graikos). Overall, the etymology of "Middle Greek" is a combination of English and Latin terms to describe a specific stage in the development of the Greek language.
Similar spelling words for MIDDLE GREEK
