...Running Head: Origins of Vernacular Language Unit 1: Origins of Vernacular Language Brittany Austin Instructor: Cheryl Lemus HUMA215-1101A-02 February 17, 2011 Origins of Vernacular Language According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the term vernacular can be defined as using a language that is native to a country or province rather than a cultured, foreign, or literary language (Merriam-Webster, 2011). These languages would one day be known as Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, and etc. The vernacular languages would also be considered as the large family of contemporary “Romance” languages (Matthews, 2011). Before the twelfth century, Latin was the major language that was used by writers. The developments of Latin were influenced by other native languages which included Celtic languages, Greek, and Etruscan (University of Calgary, 1996). Latin was continuously developed because there were significant differences in each period. These differences included those in the literary written language, and also in the differences in the spoken language of the educated and the less educated populace. Between 500 – 100 after the Empire, the peninsula was also using the vernacular language in the form of popular celebrations of religious festivals, improvisational troupes of actors, story-tellers, etc (Matthews, 2011). However none of the literature was written down and handed down...
Words: 757 - Pages: 4
...The Origins of Vernacular Language Kenneth M. Zachary Sr. American Interconitental University April 07, 2013 Abstract This paper defines vernacular language as it relates to the Latin Culture and explores the factors responsible for the rise of vernacular language; we also evaluate the impact the spread of vernacular languages had on cultures during this period. The Origins of Colloquial Speech INTRODUCTION We define colloquial speech as the spoken dialect of a particular group, profession, region, or country; especially as spoken rather than formally written. By the early fourteenth century the French became the first culture to use colloquial speech in their literary works; and its usage expanded all through Europe. During this era, English became the traditional vernacular for the government, and journalism. In addition, due to this transformation of colloquial speech, a dispute raged over its appropriateness as an instrument for communicating scripture and theology. Courtly literature holds some responsibility for the shift from Latin to colloquial speech; moreover, women also played an important role in the growth of colloquial speech (Sayre, 2013). As a matter of fact, it was a noble woman who preserved history by publishing works that were printed in or converted to colloquial speech. (McCash, 2008) In addition, colloquial speech was the language established for journalism, chronological documentation and individual sayings; this transformation took place...
Words: 763 - Pages: 4
...Sharon Hartman AIU Online ORIGINS OF VERNACULAR LANGUAGE Abstract Several things were responsible for the spread of the vernacular language. The one thing that stood out as a consequence is religion. It seems only logical that the end result would have been what it was from all the factors that were responsible. Vernacular refers to the speech used in a particular town or community. Up until the Fourteenth Century, Latin was the vernacular most widely used in the then civilized world. It was used by the religious leaders in the churches and by the aristocracy of the time. This was to show power and wealth and breeding. It was the noblewomen who commissioned works of music and literature and poetry into Latin to preserve it. Latin was the prevalent language as it comes from the Romans who had conquered most of the land and territories of Europe. As the Roman Empire grew, so did the Latin language, both spoken and written, no matter the native dialect. This made it easy to use in business but for religious purposes this created a problem. Business men knew that they could travel from port to port and speak to each other in a Latin with no inherent problems. Both spoke the same language for trading. However when the religious sect tried to convert other cultures to Roman Catholicism, if the people they were trying to convert were not of the rich and influential, the communication was hard. Eventually the vernacular language of the particular culture or territory took over and...
Words: 777 - Pages: 4
...Greek and Roman Civilization Achille Tyson AIU Online HUMA 215 Professor: Dr. Lisa Feder Due Date: Jul 22, 2012 This is a chart to compare and contrast distinguishing elements of early Roman and early Greek cultures. CATAGORIES | GREEK | ROMAN | | Religion | 1. Greek religion was festive. 2. More poetic and less practical. 3. Not much was placed on religion to make it a state religion. 4. Less ritualistic. 5. God and Goddesses | 1. Roman religion was of a conservative and serious nature. 2. More ritualistic and ceremonial than the Greek’s religion. 3. Emphasized a state religion. 4. Gods are more defined. 5. Cult-like religion | | Architecture/Art | 1. Like marble when dealing with sculptures. 2. Love the Doric and Ionic style of architecture. An example of the Doric and Ionic style architecture style or design is the famous temple of Parthenon. 3. Interested in perfection as it relates to art. 4. They were interested in mythology and focus on that when it comes to art. 5. Greek art were “good” | 1. Liked to use cement and concrete to make their sculptures...
Words: 420 - Pages: 2
...Origins of the Vernacular Language American InterContinental University Abstract Until the sixteenth century Latin was known as the official language during the Middle Ages. Latin became less used as it was hard to read and to understand but through Latin the Vernacular language was created. Before the sixteenth century all textbooks and even the Bible were written in Latin creating a great diversity between the upper crust of society and the common people. When the Vernacular language was adapted from Latin and everyday people started learning to read and to write the Vernacular language became the most used language throughout the population. The Vernacular language impacted societies, religion, and the Latin language eventually making the language of Latin obsolete. Origins of the Vernacular Language The Vernacular language is called the language of romance as much of poetry was written in the language in early roman times. The Vernacular language is actually the native language or dialect of the Roman public. Vernacular language was derived from Latin and became the language for everyone to use and understand much like English is used today. Latin was the official language of many countries but became unused and later obsolete as the vernacular language developed. Latin was mainly used by people of import and education. People that were involved in the government and highborn people of status used Latin as well (Rise of the vernacular language). However, as many...
Words: 309 - Pages: 2
...was in Latin. The origins of language is an important aspect of our culture. We write and speak to get points across. The President of the United States makes his arguments to the Senate and other countries by using English. If we were in the period of time, everything important would be in Latin. The journey of language was not an overnight change. Other languages also help shape our language as we know it now. I often wonder where languages come from. Not such different dialactes that come with different areas of the United States. But during the origins of language with its spread from culture to culture came changes. Now that there is a different means to communicate, people may not agree with one another. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the term vernacular can be defined as using a language that is native to a country or province rather than a cultured, foreign, or literary language (Merriam-Webster, 2011). These languages would one day be known as Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, and etc. The vernacular languages would also be considered as the large family of contemporary “Romance” languages. Before the twelfth century, Latin was the major language that was used. Especially by writers, This means all of the books were in Latin. This is how teachings and traditions were passed down. This affected the development of a society. “The developments of Latin were influenced by other native languages which included Celtic languages, Greek, and Etruscan”...
Words: 815 - Pages: 4
...The Spread of the Vernacular Language One may wonder what is vernacular. Vernacular can be defined as “using a language or Dialect native to a region or country rather than a literary, cultured, or foreign language” (Merriam- Webster). The language of vernacular began to spread in the twelfth century. Before the vernacular language, people only knew Latin. There was a difference between Latin language and vernacular language. The difference was that Latin was written, spoken, and taught to all literacy; whereas vernacular language was more of a dialect and it was not taught to all literacy. Latin had more than just one form of culture because over time it had continued to change. People had the ability to read and write, but the Latin literacy became limited to people during the twelfth century. Vernacular language was more commonly spoken, but writers began using the language in their writing. Vernacular language had an impact on cultures during the twelfth century. Before the twelfth century, Latin was more popular among people, but the origin of vernacular language began and spread. Latin language was very popular among the people. Latin was the growth of the Roman Empire and its language had spread, being used throughout the Mediterranean. Latin was originally an Italic language. Its heritage was the Indo- European family, and then later it started to influence other languages. Writer’s like Dante Alighieri began speaking to a wider audience. Vernacular was also known as...
Words: 508 - Pages: 3
...The History of Vernacular Languages Lea Pidgeon American Intercontinental University Online Abstract This paper discusses the origins and history of vernacular languages in the twelfth century. It also describes some of the cultural changes that resulted from this shift in language. The History of Vernacular Languages One definition for vernacular language is “The everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary language” (Farlex Inc,, 2013). There are many forms of vernacular languages that vary from region to region within a particular country. A few examples include: Celtic Languages, such as, Irish Gaelic, Scots Gaelic (Erse), Manx Gaelic Germanic languages, such as, Bavarian German, Dutch, English (Old English, Anglo-Saxon), Frisian, High German, Low German, and Yiddish. During the rise of the Roman Empire Latin became the common language. Only the upper class and clergy were literate in Latin. During the High Middle Ages, the feudal aristocracy felt the need for literacy and education. This created a demand for literature that applied to the lives if the ruling military class. This brought about the beginning of the spread of different forms of vernacular language. The spread of vernacular languages was also due to the consolidation of monarchies and the decreased papal influence. Due to the breakdown of Christendom, separate countries ruled by one king or emperor (Applied History Research Group, 1997). These events created...
Words: 825 - Pages: 4
...Language and Literacy American InterContinental University Abstract The vernacular is basically a common language used in a country. During the medieval times Latin and French were the popular literature used at that time. However, there was a limitation as to those who could learn Latin. Those who were able learn of this finer language during this time were those who were wealthy. Eventually the average citizen learned the vernacular language as well. Introduction The vernacular language began in different countries such as Europe and Italy. The vernacular was spread through these countries via writings by writes such as Dante Alighieri. Education was another way vernacular language was spread. The rise of literacy impacted these countries. Origins of the vernacular language Vernacular language is native language of the Romans. It is also known as the romance language, which seems logic since romance derived from the Old French term “romans”. (Sayre, 2012) Before the vernacular language, Latin language was the official language for many countries. However, once the vernacular became popular Latin became obsolete. You see Latin was commonly used by people of upper classes and members of the clergy. (CEC, 2013) People who were involved in the government also used Latin language. After the rise of the vernacular language, Latin was used less and soon became hard for people from other areas of the country to understand. Spread of the vernacular language The spread...
Words: 656 - Pages: 3
...Abstract This is an informational article on how new languages came to be in the early twelfth century. This article also discusses which languages came into Europe and how they arrived there whether it had been though passing performers or musicians. It shows what effect it had during the medieval times. Also, this article explains how the Latin language was strong for the much extended timespan that it survived. It describes where the origins that the different vernaculars played a dominate role in dissipating the Latin language. It also explains what effect it had on the people during the time of change of languages and what outcomes could have participated from the change. The Beginning of Many Different New Languages in the Twelfth Century Latin was the dominate language during the time of the Roman Empire before its fall in the early twelfth century. It was around the early twelfth century that the Roman Empire began to fall and the Latin language started to dissipate. The change began from people most distant and gradually made its way to the source. Most individuals during this time saw the change to be good and could only fathom the outcome had it continued to grow. Many of the people during this time chose to use their preferred vernacular opposed to the Latin language. As stated by the Editorial Board (2011), “Until the early twelfth century, the language of almost all educated circles in Europe, and certainly in literature, was Latin. Gradually...
Words: 1000 - Pages: 4
...Venus.Caselberry April 6, 2014 Cultural Studies/German Language Unit 2 IP HUMA215 – 1402A – 08 Dr. Kelly Dormady American Intercontinental University Abstract This paper will explain the influences that Latin had on Western Language. It will also explain the origins of the vernacular language and how it spread and the native language that was chose was German. Introduction In this introduction it will show detail about the German and there language. German is what I chose to speak on. This will also give detail about the Latin and the Vernacular language. The language that I chose to do was German. German is one of the important languages that has more people which is native speaks. German is always in the European Union (European Language). As researching we found that most German live out in the South Region of the world like Canada, Post-Soviet States, Russia, France, Australia and also Italy just to name a few. German became an offered for the highly level undergraduate students and the most likely graduate students in the world. Vernacular language was called the language of romance because most of the poetry was written in the early Roman time. Vernacular language spread because it was used by groups for personal, family and communication. There were many people that did not speak Latin so it was possible to rise because of the Latin language. During the century the language was been used as literature, that used for personal reason. The...
Words: 553 - Pages: 3
...Historical Foundations Laketa Byrd American InterContinental University Abstract Latin was once the official language used in religion, education, law, business and government until the sixteenth century. Although Latin’s were able to adapt to the native language of other regions, the Latin language became less used and less recognizable to people and many vernacular languages were already beginning to form and spread. Because the vernacular language was easier for anyone to be able to read and write, it became the native language in the later part of the middle ages. Before this time, most texts and literature was written by either the French or Latin and only by those that were superior in literacy and education, professional and rich as they were the main ones using and able to read and write in Latin. When average everyday people started learning how to read and write, they created their own language as a way of communicating with each other, the vernacular language. This language was later used in in everyday life. In this report, I’ll discuss the origin of the vernacular language, how it became widespread and the impact this language had on society, religion and the Latin language. Historical Foundations Latin was once the only language of the Roman Catholic Church and was one of many common languages being used to worship God and was mainly used among the rich and those that were educated and highly literate to help people from...
Words: 1598 - Pages: 7
...Abstract This paper will discuss the origins of the Spanish language and describe how the language spread. Latin has significantly influenced the creation of the Spanish language as well as the development of many other Western languages. I will also discuss the ways in which Latin has influenced Western language development. History of Vernacular Language Spanish has one of the richest and longest histories of any of the world’s languages. It is the fourth most-spoken language in the world after Chinese, Hindi and English. Native Spanish speakers exist throughout Europe, the United States, Pacific Islands and Africa (Penny, 2002). Spanish originated on the Iberian Peninsula which is located in the southwestern region of Europe. The vernacular language was not originally known as Spanish, it was referred to as Vulgar Latin. The Celts were a nomadic tribe from central Europe who moved into the peninsula towards the end of the sixth century. The Celts mixed with the peninsula’s residents, the Iberians resulting in a new people known as the Celtiberians who spoke a form of the Celtic language. By the nineteenth century B.C.E., the region in southwestern Europe was known as Hispania and the inhabitants learned Latin from Roman settlers, traders and soldiers. Soon after the people in Hispania learned Latin, a new language was created as a mixture of the Celtiberians language and classical Latin (Penny, 2002). The new language became known as Vulgar Latin which developed...
Words: 918 - Pages: 4
...Language Situation in Bangladesh Abstract This paper charts the state of language situation that exists in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been known as a monolingual country since its independence in 1971, Bangla (or Bengali) being its only national and official language. Therefore multilingualism has not been a political issue in Bangladesh, though a situation beyond the monolingualism can be observed in the language situation of Bangladesh, if the three different scenes— a) distribution of regional varieties of Bangla, b) distribution of indigenous languages and c) trend of foreign language use in different social settings— are taken into consideration. Keywords Bangladesh, Language situation, Regional varieties of Bangla, Minority languages, Foreign language use Introduction The aim of this paper is to chart the present state of language situation beyond monolingualism that exists in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been known as a monolingual country with the population of 150 million (approximately), Bangla (or Bengali) being its only national and official language since its independence in 1971. However, before the independence, the region now known as Bangladesh had been existed as a multilingual country for centuries throughout its social and political development. In the early period of history, there were various aboriginal speech communities including mainly the speakers of Austro-Asiatic and Tibeto-Burman languages distributed throughout the different regions...
Words: 3927 - Pages: 16
...understanding for some readers. Young writers automatically link to colloquial writing also known as Black American English simply because it is more convenient. Black American English also known as Black Vernacular, the dialect of English often spoken by African Americans in urban and southern regions, is also known an "African American Vernacular English. A lot of young people first come to creative writing because they have a burning desire to express themselves. Emotions are running high, ideas are flying, and opinions are in full supply. In the moment of writing the student will most likely write just as they speak. African-American dialects tend to drop the [t] from words like rest and soft. They likewise tend to drop the [r] sound in words like bird, four, door, and father. With this being so the writing, to scholars and educated readers, is perceived as improper and incorrect. Black American English often uses the emphatic done to stress completion of an act. For instance, "He done did it" provides a more forceful alternative to the Standard English "He's already done it." Being able to express ideas in this language gives the writer an advantage on expressing themselves throughout the piece. Language is a way people express themselves with words. The word "language" is also used to refer to a group of related dialects,...
Words: 877 - Pages: 4
