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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