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When did Middle English Begin?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2026

Kemp Malone
Kemp Malone*
Affiliation:
Johns Hopkins University
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Abstract

[An examination of four English manuscripts of the tenth century (Vercelli Book, Exeter Book, Junius Codex and Beowulf Codex) shows that a distinct tendency to level the vowels of final unstressed syllables already existed in the second half of the tenth century. The beginning of the Middle English period, then, must be put at A. D. 1000 or thereabouts.]

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Language , Volume 6 , Issue 4-Part2: Language Monograph No. 7: Curme Volume of Linguistic Studies , December 1930 , pp. 110 - 117
Copyright
Copyright © 1930 Linguistic Society of America

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References

1 K. Luick, Hist. Gram. der engl. Sprache 1. 489-90.

2 S. Moore, in Language 4. 239.

3 For the dates of these MSS see W. Keller, in Palaestra 43. 1. 37-40.

4 I have used the facsimile editions of Förster and Gollancz for Vercelli and Junius (I cite by page and line), and the diplomatic edition of Rypins for the prose pieces of the Beowulf Codex; I cite from the Riddles by number and line of verse; otherwise, I cite by line of verse only. The examples from the Vercelli homilies were very kindly given me by Professor R. Willard.

5 Cf. T. N. Toller, Supplement, under gewuna adj.

6 For the problem of the final m, see Moore, in Language 4. 248.

7 E. Sievers, Ags. Gram.3 §§361, 365. Except for the Vercelli homilies and Andreas, I have not tried to give full lists of the subj. plurals in -on (-an).

8 G. P. Krapp, Andreas (ed.), 110.