answersLogoWhite

0

Britain did not exist as a unified location - Wales was split into different principalities, Scotland had its own kings and Ireland was only partially under the control of English kings.

In the area today called Britain many different languages were spoken, some changing over the very long medieval period:

In most of England, Old English was used up to about 1150; it gradually evolved into Middle English. In Cornwall in the far south-west of England, the language was Kernowek but some people must have been bilingual (administrators, lawyers, merchants and so on). On the Isle of Man, Manx Gaelic was spoken (again some people must have been bilingual). The nobility and some others spoke Anglo-Norman French, while Latin was the language of the Church, of schools, books and educated people.

In Wales dialects of Old Welsh were spoken.

In different parts of Scotland people spoke Gaelic, Old Norse, Middle English (Scots dialect) and Anglo-Norman French.

In Ireland a form of Gaelic was used.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Who added words to the English language in the Middle English period?

The Normans added words to the English language during their occupation.


Language changed from what English to what English during the medieval period?

During the medieval period, middle English changed to modern English.


When was the word sport introduced to the English language?

During the middle ages, around 1150.


Which language most heavily influenced English during the middle English period?

French. After the Norman conquest French had such a impact on the English language that Middle English looks nothing like Old English, because we adopted and adapted so many of their words!


What language most heavily influenced English during the Middle English Period?

French. After the Norman conquest French had such a impact on the English language that Middle English looks nothing like Old English, because we adopted and adapted so many of their words!


Did Geoffrey Chaucer write the canterbury tales in old english middle english or modern english?

Geoffrey Chaucer wrote "The Canterbury Tales" in Middle English, which was the common spoken and written language in England during the late 14th century. Middle English is distinct from older forms of the language like Old English and from the modern form of English that we use today.


What language was spoken in England in Chaucer's time?

In Chaucer's time, Middle English was the language spoken in England. It was a transitioning period between Old English and Modern English, and during this time, English was heavily influenced by French due to the Norman Conquest.


One significant difference between Old English and Middle English is that Middle English incorporates influences from .?

French


What are the four stages of the English language?

The four stages of the English language are Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English, and Modern English. These stages mark the historical development and evolution of the language over time.


The Canterbury Tales was written in which language?

Geoffrey Chaucer wrote in the form of English that is now called Middle English. This was the language of the common people of the time.


Is it true Chaucer's writings provide examples of our language in transition from Middle English to Modern English?

Yes, it is true that Chaucer's writings, particularly "The Canterbury Tales," are considered to provide examples of English in transition from Middle English to Modern English. Chaucer's works reflect changes in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling that show the evolution of the English language during that time period.


When did English become the official language of Britain?

English became the official language of Britain during the Middle Ages, specifically around the 14th century. This was due to the increasing influence of the English language following the Norman Conquest in 1066 and the subsequent decline of Norman French as the primary language of the ruling class.