Vernacular language

Definition

A vernacular language is the native language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a specific region or country, often contrasted with a more formal or literary language. In medieval literature, the use of vernacular languages became significant as it allowed authors to reach broader audiences, fostering cultural identity and promoting local traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer was a pioneering figure in using English vernacular for literary works, especially in 'The Canterbury Tales', making literature accessible to a wider audience.
2. The rise of vernacular languages in medieval literature marked a shift from Latin dominance, reflecting social changes and the growing importance of national identities.
3. Chaucer's works contributed to the legitimacy of English as a literary language, influencing later writers to embrace vernacular over Latin or French.
4. The use of vernacular languages facilitated the spread of ideas during the medieval period, helping to democratize knowledge and cultural expression.
5. As vernacular languages gained prominence, they began to establish their own literary traditions and genres, leading to greater regional diversity in literature.

Review Questions

• How did Chaucer's use of vernacular language in his works impact the accessibility of literature during the medieval period?
  • Chaucer's decision to write in vernacular English made his works more accessible to the general populace who were not fluent in Latin or French. By doing so, he helped to elevate English as a legitimate literary language and encouraged other writers to follow suit. This shift allowed more people to engage with literature, thus fostering a richer cultural exchange and greater public participation in literary traditions.
• In what ways did the use of vernacular languages during the medieval period reflect societal changes?
  • The increasing use of vernacular languages reflected broader societal changes, including the decline of Latin as the sole language of scholarship and administration. This shift indicated a growing emphasis on national identities and local cultures, as authors began to address themes relevant to their audiences. The transition also highlighted the emerging middle class's desire for education and engagement with literature that resonated with their everyday experiences.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the vernacular language movement initiated by authors like Chaucer on modern literature and language.
  • The vernacular language movement initiated by Chaucer and his contemporaries had profound long-term effects on modern literature and language. It paved the way for subsequent literary movements that embraced regional languages and dialects, allowing for diverse voices to be represented in literature. This democratization of language ultimately shaped contemporary literary forms, encouraging writers to explore personal and cultural identities through their native tongues, which continues to enrich literature today.

Related terms

Middle English:

The form of the English language spoken and written in England from approximately 1150 to 1500, heavily influenced by Norman French after the Norman Conquest.

Dialect: A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group, encompassing variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Latin:

An ancient language that was widely used in medieval scholarship, religious texts, and formal documentation, often seen as the lingua franca of educated Europeans during the Middle Ages.