The rise of the vernacular

Definition

The rise of the vernacular refers to the increasing use of local languages for literary and scholarly expression, as opposed to Latin, during the Middle English period. This shift allowed a wider audience to access literature and ideas, reflecting social changes and a growing sense of national identity. The vernacular began to flourish in various genres, paving the way for the development of distinct national literatures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The transition to vernacular languages was influenced by historical events such as the Norman Conquest, which brought French culture and language into England.
2. Authors like Geoffrey Chaucer were pivotal in using the vernacular, with works like 'The Canterbury Tales' showcasing the richness of Middle English.
3. The rise of the vernacular paralleled the growth of literacy among the middle class, allowing more people to engage with literature beyond elite circles.
4. Religious texts began to be translated into the vernacular, making spiritual teachings more accessible to common people and contributing to movements like the Reformation.
5. The vernacular's rise helped establish English as a legitimate language for serious literary and scholarly work, laying the groundwork for its future dominance.

Review Questions

• How did the rise of the vernacular impact accessibility to literature during the Middle English period?
  • The rise of the vernacular significantly broadened access to literature by allowing works to be written in languages that everyday people could understand, rather than in Latin, which was primarily used by educated elites. This change enabled a larger segment of society to engage with literary works, participate in cultural discussions, and develop a sense of shared national identity. As a result, literature became more democratic and reflective of diverse experiences.
• In what ways did authors like Geoffrey Chaucer contribute to the validation of the vernacular as a literary language?
  • Geoffrey Chaucer's works, particularly 'The Canterbury Tales,' played a crucial role in legitimizing the use of Middle English as a serious literary language. By crafting complex narratives filled with vivid characters and exploring universal themes, Chaucer showcased the expressive potential of the vernacular. His success encouraged other writers to embrace local languages for their own works, further establishing a tradition of literature that resonated with broader audiences.
• Evaluate the broader cultural implications of adopting vernacular languages in literature during the Middle English period.
  • The adoption of vernacular languages in literature during the Middle English period had profound cultural implications. It fostered a sense of national identity and unity as people began to see their local languages as vehicles for artistic expression. This movement away from Latin also coincided with rising literacy rates and shifts in social structures, leading to greater engagement with religious texts and political ideas. Ultimately, it marked a transition towards modernity in thought and culture that would shape future generations.

Related terms

Middle English:

The form of the English language spoken and written between approximately 1150 and 1500, characterized by significant French and Latin influences due to historical events.

Chivalric Romance: A genre of narrative literature popular in medieval Europe, often depicting the adventures and ideals of knights, which frequently utilized the vernacular language.

Allegory:

A literary device in which characters and events symbolize deeper moral or political meanings, often employed in vernacular texts to convey complex ideas in accessible ways.