The middle English period (19 dez 1066 ano – 15 ago 1450 ano)

Descrição:

During this time, the language developed and became more similar to todays English, with many new words added. The litterature was a determining factor for English to develop into a national language.

The events that began the transition from Old English to Middle English was the Norman Norman invasion of 1066, but also the French influence on the English language. English were given 10000 French words. Many things changed, social, and cultural changes and also changes in language and literature.

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories that runs to over 17,000 lines written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer and during the 11th century. The stories gave a realistic picture of the society. Part 1 is "Wife of Bath" and is best known of the stories.