Chaucer 5 - The Language of Chaucer

In this illuminating episode, Professor Marion Turner engages in a captivating conversation with Karen Carey, delving into the intricacies of Geoffrey Chaucer's language and writing style. The episode offers an immersive experience, commencing with Marion's eloquent recital of the opening lines of the Canterbury Tales in Middle English. From the outset, listeners are transported to the linguistic landscape of Chaucer's era, marked by irregular spellings and the unique nuances of early English.

Marion and Karen unravel the challenges posed by this early form of the English language, shedding light on its evolution into the modern tongue. Despite the irregularities, much of Chaucer's vocabulary remains recognisable to contemporary readers. The discussion extends to Chaucer's role as the originator of iambic pentameter verse, exploring how the rhythm and stress of words contribute to the richness of his writing when spoken aloud.

The podcast also explores Chaucer's pivotal role in championing a vernacular English form of writing, a departure from the prevalent use of Latin or French in poetry, government, and the law during his time. Marion and Karen examine the significance of this linguistic shift and its impact on the accessibility of literature to a broader audience.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain many insights into Chaucer's lasting linguistic contributions to modern English. The episode concludes with an exploration of words and phrases attributed to Chaucer, such as the timeless adage "Love is Blind," underscoring the enduring influence of his language on contemporary expression and writers such as Shakespeare who followed him. This episode serves as a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts seeking to navigate the linguistic intricacies and appreciate the linguistic legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer.