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 during the late fourteenth century. With time comes modernization; therefore, standards were developed for colloquial speech. Since Latin was not the native tongue of many people, even men of honor, colloquial speech was able cultivate and proliferate; due to the cultivation and proliferation of colloquial speech, it became easier to convert people to Christianity. Also, the advancements in technology and the increased literacy rates were directly related to the proliferation of colloquial speech.
Factors responsible for the rise of Colloquial Speech

The desire of ordinary people to incorporate colloquial speech into their everyday lives is due to several factors; however, we will explore three. The first being, the yearning to expand Christianity; the beginning of the feminist movement whereas, the desire by local women to participate in ethnic arguments and the advancements to modern technology. colloquial speech was developed into an updated written format established on spoken colloquial speech. Therefore, allowing this speech to be easily assimilated and the rapid growth of colloquial speech into geographic areas; thereby. increasing written works accessibility to higher proportions of local populations. Due to the consolidation of monarchies in the era of the latter Middle Ages and the increase of colloquial speech, the people demonstrated and felt an increased in nationalism. Moreover, as papal authority declined, people had the opportunity to associate with a country under rule by either a king or emperor. Although, Latin was the international language of formal politics, colloquial speech was used in the written format by the government and for legal documents. This transformation occurred in England and France around the late twelfth century. An additional and most important feature that played a role in to the accomplishment of using colloquial speech over Latin, was the invention of the moveable-type printing press. Some historians and scholars view this invention as the ending of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance Era; however, some only concede the printing press only quicken changes that had already begun. Johann Gutenburg invented the moveable-type printing; and that success is directly associated with advancements in metallurgy, relief printing, printer's ink, paper quality and printing press mechanisms which all contributed to the new process.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the single most important impression left from colloquial speech was that it allows people to come together and create a sense of national identity. Moreover, the three factors that influenced colloquial speech; the yearning to expand Christianity; the beginning of the feminist movement, whereas, the desire by local women to participate in ethnic arguments and the advancements to modern technology. This changed the way we write literature, communicate on an intellectual level and how we worship and have fellowship. The development and usage of colloquial speech changed the world and is still being used in the 21st century.

References
McCash, J. (2008). The Role of Women in the Rise of the Vernacular. Comparative Literature, 60(1), 45-57. Retrieved April 05, 2013 from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy.cecybrary.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=6bd2588e-4f87-4a65-b638863d2a06f6e9%40sessionmgr10&hid=15&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=31846334
Sayre, H. M. (2013). Discovering the Humanities (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson. Retrieved from http://wow.coursesmart.com/9781256735007/