Week 5 Middle English 2 Prologue to the Wife of Bath's Tale from Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," illuminated manuscript on vellum. England, c ("The Ellesmere Chaucer") EL 26 C 9, fol. 72.
Middle English dialects
Some Middle English dialect distinctions Northern West Midlands
The reestablishment of English after 1080 English writs virtually disappear. Throughout the 12th century laws are normally written in Latin; the first laws in Norman French date from about Latin is the common language for most deeds, petititons and charters until the 13th century. After that date they are often written in Norman French. ca. 1160: John of Salisbury observes that it is fashionable to use French words in English conversation. Around the same time, an English knight employs a Norman to teach his son French. ca. 1180: a poem complains that although 500 years ago Bede taught and preached in English it is now no longer done. 1198: a native English speaker gives evidence through an interpreter, who translates his testimony in French. ca. 1250: The rules for monks of St.Peter's Westminster forbid the use of English ca. 1260: William of Westminster writes that the common English people despise anyone unable to speak English. ca. 1290: Walter of Bibbesworth writes his Traité to teach French to children of upper-class families. It introduces French through a description of the everyday objects and actions of common life, the parts of the body, and so on.
1299: an order regarding the use of the forest is issued in English 1327: Edward III's presentation of certain privileges to Londoners is made in English The earliest deeds and legal documents written in English appear in the reign of Edward III in the last quarter of the 14th century 1363: Parliament is opened for the first time in English 1381: During the Peasants' Revolt, Richard II addresses the people in English. His successor Henry IV (reigned ) was the first monolingual English-speaking King after After 1423 petitions to parliament are frequently in English; after 1444 none are in French 1489: French disappears from the statutes of parliament By the end of the 15th century French is only used in law courts (until the 18th century!)
Cursor Munid c. 1300
Origins of standard English Regionally standardized literary language in the last part of C14 (central midlands) Growth of a standard from the London area from the mid-14 th century Emergence of London as the political and commercial centre Development of Chancery standard