Early Medieval Writings in South Asia to be Explored
An exciting new project aims to delve into early medieval writings in South Asia, offering fresh insights into a pivotal historical period. This groundbreaking research will reveal long-forgotten aspects of the region’s past.
35 Medieval Expressions Invented by Chaucer: Phrases That Shaped Modern English
We explore 35 medieval phrases invented by Chaucer, including many that are still used today.
New Medieval Books: Recovering Old English
By the 16th century, Old English was a language that could not be understood by the vast majority of the people in England. However, it was at this time that some scholars began to collect, edit and study these writings. This book tells the story of their work and achievements in preserving a medieval language.
23 Fascinating Old English Phrases and Medieval Proverbs
Old English, the language of early medieval England, is rich with phrases and proverbs that offer a glimpse into the past. In this article, we explore 23 fun and fascinating examples of Old English, bringing history to life. Dive in to discover how these medieval words can still resonate today.
Discover 25 Medieval Latin Phrases and Their Meanings
Our collection of 25 Latin phrases used during the Middle Ages.
12 Expressions that we got from the Middle Ages
Want to sound like someone from the Middle Ages? Check out our list of 12 expressions to add to your conversations.
New Medieval Books: The Standard Language Ideology of the Hebrew and Arabic Grammarians of the ‘Abbasid Period
This open-access book examines the connections between Hebrew and Arabic in the Middle Ages when it comes to language. it offers a look at how people learned from each other even though they came from different backgrounds and religions.
Ten More Phrases that Originated in the Middle Ages
There are many phrases that we use in everyday life. Some of these were first spoken back in the Middle Ages.
The Differences between Old English, Middle English and Modern English
The most noticeable difference between older forms of English and today’s English is the alphabet.
20,000 words included in new dictionary of Shakespeare’s English
Its publication comes after 25 years of preparation, a £1 million Arts and Humanities Research Council grant, a team of up to 25 researchers, and seven years of hard work.
Egyptian Hieroglyphs in Late Antiquity, with Jennifer Westerfeld
A conversation with Jennifer Westerfeld on the scripts used to write ancient Egyptian, especially hieroglyphs. Their last attested use was in the 390s AD, ending their long history in our period. Meanwhile, Greek, Roman, and Christian observers were developing their own theories about how the script worked, often quite fantastic, and reacted to texts inscribed in public spaces.
By God’s Bones: Medieval Swear Words
What were bad words in the Middle Ages? Cursing or swearing in medieval England was really different from today’s world.
Ten Phrases that Originated in the Middle Ages
Some of our most popular phrases have a long history, including some that go back to the Middle Ages.
Norse Runes were just as advanced as Roman Alphabet writing, historian finds
In the Middle Ages, the Roman alphabet and Norse runes lived side by side. A new doctoral thesis challenges the notion that runes represent more of an oral and less of a learned form of written language
How to Start Learning Old English
Hana Videen offers some advice and tips about learning the Old English language.
What is hwæt?
What is that first word, the one that would eventually become modern English ‘what’?
The Wordhord with Hana Videen
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Hana Videen, an author who introduces Old English to new audiences through the lens of everyday life. Find out what makes Old English different, what makes it beautiful, and which words really deserve a comeback.
The Yorkshire Historical Dictionary brings lost words to life
A new volume of a historical dictionary revealing thousands of Yorkshire words which had been lost for centuries was launched earlier this month on Yorkshire Day (1 August).
Getting A Word In: Contact, Etymology and English Vocabulary in the Twelfth Century
This lecture explored the etymologies, meanings and contexts of some key words from this crucial time, as a way to think about the evidence for contact and change at the boundary of Old and Middle English and to illustrate how rich, diverse, challenging and surprising its voices can be.
How Old Norse and Latin co-existed in medieval Norway
When Latin arrived in Norway, Old Norse written culture also flourished. New research shows that runes and letters were used in alternation.
Giving new life to Early Irish and Old Norse through music
The sounds of early medieval languages, including now extinct Early Irish and Old Norse, are to be given new life through a pioneering European research project.
Old Norse for Modern Times
Have you ever wanted to wield the silver tongue of Loki – or to hammer home your point like a Thundergod?
20 English Proverbs that originated in the Middle Ages
Here is our 20 favourite English proverbs that have medieval origins.
How to build a house (and learn French) the medieval way
Perhaps one of the most delightful works from the Middle Ages is The Treatise of Walter of Bibbesworth. From it you can learn much about medieval daily life and be taught French at the same time.