Mittelenglische

Mittelenglische refers to the English language spoken and written in England from roughly the late 11th century to the late 15th century. This period marks the transition from Old English to Modern English, with significant linguistic changes occurring during this time. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Old English, the Germanic language spoken by the Anglo-Saxons, underwent substantial influence from Norman French. This influence is evident in vocabulary, where many French words were adopted, particularly in areas of law, government, and cuisine.

Grammatically, Middle English saw a simplification of the complex inflectional system of Old English. Many case endings were lost or reduced, leading to a more fixed word order. Pronunciation also evolved, with significant shifts in vowel sounds. The standardization of spelling was not yet established, leading to considerable variation in written forms. Geoffrey Chaucer's *The Canterbury Tales* is perhaps the most famous example of Middle English literature, showcasing the language's richness and its departure from Old English. By the end of the 15th century, the Great Vowel Shift had begun, marking the transition into Early Modern English.