Vernacular Language

Abstract

During the Middle Ages Latin was thought of as the official language. In the beginning Latin was only used y the educated, rich, the members of clergy, and throughout literature. This language started with the rise of the Roman Empire and had great effects on the world as we know it today. The language fell with the fall of the Roman Empire. This language was influenced by other languages, such as, Celtic, Greek, and Etruscan tongues.

Latin

Latin was the most common language in the twelfth century. However, it was not the language that was used by everyone. This was a language that was used by the rich or in written documents and books. Bibles as well as textbooks were written in this language. The rise of the Latin language came with the rise of the Roman Empire. This language caused much diversity between the rich and the poor. The poor were unable to read or understand the bible and began to speak to one another in their vernacular language. A vernacular language is a standard native language spoken everyday by the people. Latin grew more and more popular as the Romans fought and took more and more countries. It was not until the Roman Empire began to fall that the spread of Latin became more obsolete. People, such as, priests, troubadours, and trobairitz wanted to reach a wider audience and began to write their works in the vernacular language.

Vernacular Language

As the Roman Empire began to fall the people began to return to the roots of their vernacular language. Everyone from the priests to the poets and authors were doing their writings in the vernacular so that everyone could understand them. The bible and textbooks were being transformed; all of these began the spread of vernacular language. After the fall of the Roman Empire the Latin language became obsolete.

THE MODERN DAY EFFECTS

Although in the modern days we think that things are the way they are because they are, they are not. Even our English dictionary has the Latin word and where it originated. (ex. From Latin vernculus, native, from verna, native slave, perhaps of Etruscan origin.) (From the free dictionary). English as well as many other languages originated from Latin.