Key Middle English Dialects to Know for Middle English Literature

Middle English literature showcases a variety of dialects that reflect regional identities and linguistic diversity. Each dialect, from Northern to Kentish, contributes unique sounds and vocabulary, enriching the literary landscape and shaping the evolution of the English language.

1. Northern dialect

   • Predominantly spoken in the northern regions of England, including Yorkshire and Northumberland.
   • Characterized by the use of the "u" sound in words like "house" (pronounced as "hoose").
   • Notable for its distinct vocabulary, including many Scandinavian loanwords due to historical Viking influence.
   • Early examples of Northern dialect literature include works like "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
   • The dialect's features contributed to the development of later English dialects and regional identities.

2. East Midland dialect

   • Considered the basis for Standard English, particularly due to its prominence in literary works.
   • Home to significant literary figures such as Geoffrey Chaucer, whose works exemplify the dialect's features.
   • Characterized by a mix of Old English and Norman French influences, reflecting the region's diverse history.
   • The dialect is marked by the use of "a" in words like "dance" (pronounced as "dahnce").
   • Important texts include "The Canterbury Tales," which showcases the dialect's richness and versatility.

3. West Midland dialect

   • Spoken in areas such as Worcestershire and Herefordshire, with unique phonetic characteristics.
   • Features a strong influence from Old English, retaining many archaic forms and vocabulary.
   • Notable for its use of the "k" sound in words like "knight" (pronounced as "kniht").
   • Key literary works include "Pearl" and "The Owl and the Nightingale," which highlight the dialect's poetic qualities.
   • The dialect reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the West Midlands during the Middle English period.

4. Southern dialect

   • Predominantly found in the southern counties of England, including London and Kent.
   • Characterized by a more standardized form of English, which influenced the development of the London dialect.
   • Notable for its use of the "th" sound in words like "think" and "that," which is consistent with modern English pronunciation.
   • Important literary contributions include works by authors like William Langland, particularly "Piers Plowman."
   • The Southern dialect played a crucial role in the transition from Middle English to Early Modern English.

5. Kentish dialect

   • A regional variant spoken in Kent, with distinct phonetic and lexical features.
   • Notable for its retention of certain Old English forms and vocabulary that differ from other dialects.
   • Characterized by unique pronunciations, such as the use of "a" in words like "grass" (pronounced as "grass" rather than "græs").
   • Important texts include "The Canterbury Tales," where some characters reflect Kentish speech patterns.
   • The dialect's features contribute to the understanding of regional identity and linguistic diversity in Middle English literature.