Middle English, the vibrant linguistic bridge between Old English and Modern English, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of our language. While we can read Middle English texts like The Canterbury Tales, understanding how these words were actually pronounced presents a unique challenge and a captivating historical puzzle. This article explores the history of Middle English pronunciation, shedding light on its nuances and transformations.

The Sounds of Middle English: An Overview of Pronunciation

Unlike the standardized pronunciation of Modern English, Middle English pronunciation was diverse and regional. This variation makes it difficult to pinpoint a single “correct” way to pronounce the language. However, linguistic reconstruction, analysis of rhymes in Middle English poetry, and comparisons with related languages allow us to approximate the sounds of the era. The Great Vowel Shift, a major sound change, dramatically altered the pronunciation of long vowels, marking a significant divergence from earlier forms of English. Understanding this shift is crucial to grasping the nuances of Middle English pronunciation.

The Great Vowel Shift: A Turning Point in English Phonetics

The Great Vowel Shift, beginning around the 14th century and continuing for several centuries, was a pivotal event in the history of English pronunciation. This involved a systematic change in the pronunciation of long vowels. For example, the long 'a' sound in words like