Cultural Studies: Vernacular Language

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion1

Conclusion3

References5

Cultural Studies: Vernacular Language

Introduction

Communication is the transfer of meaning. Language serves as the bridge between individuals to form groups with similar understanding, shared thoughts, ideas and dreams. This causes a society to perpetuate. Latin has been very popular in the literary work before 12th century. It is now considered dead language; however, its components are still spoken in science and arts. This paper discusses the vernacular language and Latin with context of culture. The paper includes the discussion of how the Latin saw its downfall and what led to rise of vernaculars and later their standardization.

Discussion

The native dialect or language that a specific population uses is called vernacular language. Several such languages exist in world. However, two languages, Latin and French were extremely popular in middle ages and most literature was written in it (Schwarz. 2011). One predominant reason is that, only rich knew how to write and they were interested in learning such superior languages. However, later when common men were able to read and write, it became more popular. French are considered the first to spread their literature in vernacular languages. The role of Women is also worth mentioning here. The noble women use to commissioned works to be translated and written in vernacular languages. The spread of Christianity also caused spread of vernacular languages. The bible was published in vernacular. The Christian teachings and readings availability in vernacular language increased the conversion of people to Christianity (Bouchard, 2004). The Slavic Orthodox Christian Community translated Bible into vernacular languages back in tenth century (Bouchard, 2004); however, it was until the 12th century that Latin remained to be most common among educated people, in the rest of Europe (Sayre, 2010). The Roman Empire spread caused the spread of Latin. The trend continued till the end of 12th century. The roman fall declined around this time and so did the popularity of Latin. The English returned to their English Language after that. The influence of Alexander the great was immense; his books in English including some religious pieces are among the classics. The Anglo Saxton Chronicles and Beowulf are such examples of literature written in English. Germans translated many French stories into their language, German. The use of vernacular languages in Germany goes back to eight century (Tillotson, 2005).

The era between 10th to 14th century is marked by huge impact of vernacular languages. ...