Keywords
Abstract
This article explores the development and transformation of
English vocabulary during the Middle English period, roughly between the 11th
and 15th centuries. It discusses how historical, social, and cultural changes
especially the Norman Conquest of 1066 played a crucial role in shaping the
English lexicon. The article explains that during this time, a large number of
French and Latin words entered the English language, enriching it with new terms
related to law, government, religion, art, and literature. As a result, English
vocabulary became more diverse and flexible, capable of expressing a wider range
of meanings and ideas. The study also highlights how native Anglo-Saxon words
coexisted with foreign borrowings, sometimes developing different stylistic and
semantic shades. The influence of Old Norse, through contact with Scandinavian
settlers, is also examined as an important factor in vocabulary change. By
analyzing examples from literary and historical texts, the article shows how the
blending of linguistic elements from different sources created the foundation of
Modern English. Overall, it concludes that the Middle English period was a key
stage in the evolution of the English vocabulary, marking the transition from Old
English to a more modern and adaptable language.
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