Middle English period (1066-1450) (15 Sept 1066 Jahr – 18 Aug 1450 Jahr)

Beschreibung:

1066 Norman invasion, a Frenchman, William the conqueror, became king of England.
About 10 000 French words were incorporated in the English language and French was also introduced as the language of the royal court and in the law.
French became the language of the kings and nobility of England for more than 300 years

A range of literary genres emerged including chivalric romances, religious songs, folk ballads, drama, morality and miracle plays

The canterbery tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
is a significant work as it is considered a determining factor for English to develop into a national language (Middle English).
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 20 stories which give a realistic picture of medieval society, often with a touch of satire and humour.