https://youtu.be/BckzvQn57ZI?si=ygo3r3HTmlYS8MUu
There are a fair few round my way who still speak like that ;D
Perhaps this should be made the compulsory mode of speech at the SoA conventions? ::)
Wann that Aprile with hir shoures soute etc, etc.
We were played a recording as an intro to the Chaucer part of our English A-level.
Quote from: Imperial Dave on Sep 21, 2025, 04:19 PMThere are a fair few round my way who still speak like that ;D
Surprised they don't speak Middle Welsh :)
Quote from: Denis Grey on Sep 21, 2025, 05:08 PMWe were played a recording as an intro to the Chaucer part of our English A-level.
I've also heard a bit of this (though not in formal lessons). It does tend to come across quite strained (as did the medieval software engineer), I think. I'm sure if you'd heard a native speaker reciting, he would be focussed on the performance more and it would flow. Pronunciation would vary regionally more than now, too.
That too...
It sort of reminds me of working with Dutchmen. I mean, after you get your ear in it is quite easy to follow what is being said, although I can speak none of this language beyond such important phrases as "nog twee pils, op den tafel, zo snel mogelijk".
Strangely, I had a similar experience in Italy for which my only explanation is that my brain was translating Italian into French, a language that I speak reasonably well.
;D
Certainly I suspect that after working with the chap for a few hours, I'd be able to get along well enough :)
Quote from: Jim Webster on Sep 22, 2025, 10:05 AMCertainly I suspect that after working with the chap for a few hours, I'd be able to get along well enough :)
This is probably true. Middle English has a large overlap in basic vocabulary with modern English (i.e. the day to day stuff). Pronunciation may cause some difficulties but, after a few hours you'd get it down.
For our purposes in studying the sources, they are written, so pronunciation is less of an issue. The main curse of reading Middle English is that the idea of consistent spelling wasn't yet a thing.
Quote from: Erpingham on Sep 22, 2025, 10:24 AMFor our purposes in studying the sources, they are written, so pronunciation is less of an issue. The main curse of reading Middle English is that the idea of consistent spelling wasn't yet a thing.
It stil issnt in this howse. Cannt even spel dyslecksick. Even wiv spelcekker I panic about posting anifing incas I hav mispelled fings. :-[
To be fair correct spelling is a blessing to accuracy but you only appreciate this as an adult when you have to communicate precise ideas. Doesn't make it easier to do though.