Linguistic Past in Twelfth-Century Britain

The book explores how the Norman Conquest intensified interest in the historicity of languages, leading to a newfound sense of how ancient languages could be used to convey historical claims. It demonstrates the breadth of interest in the linguistic past across different social groups and the variety of genres used to depict it, including romance, legal translation, history, poetry, and hagiography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 293 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The complex history of Britain's languages was a subject of keen interest among twelfth-century authors, driven by the social, political, and linguistic upheavals that followed the Norman Conquest. This book argues that these transformations heightened the appreciation for the historical significance of languages, fostering a climate of inquiry that elevated the prestige of vernacular literature. This newfound interest in ancient languages led to innovative ways of conveying historical claims, making the vernacular an essential platform for the construction and memorialization of dynastic, institutional, and ethnic identities.

This study explores the diverse range of interests in the linguistic past across different social groups and the diverse genres employed to depict it. From romance to legal translation, history to poetry, and hagiography, twelfth-century authors sought to engage with the development of English, Brittonic, Latin, and French languages in imaginative and meaningful ways. Through a series of detailed case studies, Sara Harris demonstrates how specific works represent key aspects of the period's imaginative engagement with these languages.

One notable example is the romance "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," written by an unknown author in the early twelfth century. This work explores the relationship between language, identity, and cultural values, particularly in the context of the Arthurian legend. The Green Knight challenges Sir Gawain to a game in which he must accept a blow from the knight on one condition: that Gawain speaks only one true sentence throughout the challenge. This narrative highlights the power of language to shape perception, challenge assumptions, and convey meaning, and it demonstrates the twelfth-century authors' fascination with the linguistic complexities of their time.

Another significant work is the legal translation "The Law of the Breton People," written by the Norman jurist William de Malet in the late twelfth century. This translation aimed to promote the understanding and application of Breton law among the Norman elite. De Malet's work demonstrates the importance of language in the construction of legal systems and the role of translators in facilitating communication and cooperation across different cultural groups.

In addition to literary works, historical accounts also played a crucial role in shaping twelfth-century authors' understanding of the linguistic past. One notable example is the "Historia Regum Britanniae" by the Anglo-Saxon historian Bede, written in the early seventh century. Bede's work provides a comprehensive account of British history from the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons to the reign of King Alfred the Great. Through his meticulous research and analysis, Bede sheds light on the linguistic development of the British Isles, including the influence of Latin and Greek on the English language.

Poetry also played a significant role in twelfth-century authors' exploration of the linguistic past. The "Dream of the Rood" by the Anglo-Saxon poet Caedmon, written in the early seventh century, is a famous example of this genre. The poem explores the relationship between language, spirituality, and the divine, and it demonstrates the twelfth-century authors' fascination with the power of language to convey meaning and evoke emotions.

Hagiography, a genre that combines historical narrative with religious devotion, also contributed to twelfth-century authors' understanding of the linguistic past. The "Life of St. Cuthbert" by the Anglo-Saxon monk Bede, written in the early eighth century, is a notable example of this genre. The life of St. Cuthbert, a Northumbrian saint who was instrumental in the spread of Christianity in the region, is recounted in the "Life of St. Cuthbert," which also provides insights into the linguistic development of the Northumbrian dialect of English.

In conclusion, the complex history of Britain's languages was a subject of keen interest among twelfth-century authors, driven by the social, political, and linguistic upheavals that followed the Norman Conquest. Through a variety of genres, including romance, legal translation, history, poetry, and hagiography, these authors sought to engage with the development of English, Brittonic, Latin, and French languages in imaginative and meaningful ways. The study of these works provides valuable insights into the twelfth-century authors' understanding of the linguistic past, their appreciation for the historical significance of languages, and their contributions to the construction and memorialization of dynastic, institutional, and ethnic identities.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 230 x 153 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316631874