Multilingualism in Early Medieval Britain

Pre-Norman Britain had five languages and four peoples, but Old English is often studied separately from the other languages. This Element synthesizes evidence from the pre-Norman period to show that Old English was one of several living languages that formed a vibrant oral and written literary culture in early medieval Britain. The Element highlights multilingualism in religious, scholarly, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, and artistic aspects of life before the arrival of the Normans.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Pre-Norman Britain was a melting pot of five languages and four distinct peoples, according to the accounts of its own historians. However, in contemporary scholarship, Old English is frequently studied in isolation from the other languages that surrounded it. This Element provides a comprehensive synthesis of evidence from the pre-Norman period that positions Old English as one of several living languages that together formed the foundation of a vibrant oral and written literary culture in early medieval Britain.

Each section of the Element focuses on a key thematic topic and is illustrated through a series of memorable case studies that showcase the pervasive presence of multilingualism in every aspect of life in early medieval Britain. These case studies encompass religious and scholarly pursuits, political and military affairs, economic and cultural developments, as well as intellectual and artistic endeavors.

The Element makes a compelling case for the dynamic nature of transcultural literary and linguistic culture in early medieval Britain before the arrival of the Normans. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these languages and peoples, highlighting their collective contribution to the rich tapestry of early medieval British society. By examining the evidence from this period, the Element sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of language and culture in the early Middle Ages, providing a valuable contribution to our understanding of this fascinating period of history.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009275859