Chaucer's Language

by Simon Horobin

Overview

Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge or familiarity with Middle English, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than in a modern translation.

Chaucer's Language leads the reader gently through basic linguistic concepts with appropriate explanation, highlighting how Chaucer's English differs from present-day English, and the significance of this for interpreting and understanding his work. It provides close analysis and comparison with the writings of Chaucer's contemporaries to show how Chaucer drew on the variety of Middle English to achieve particular poetic effects. Annotated texts, an extensive glossary of linguistic terms, common Middle English words and 'false friends', a bibliography and suggestions for further reading all support students and aid study.

This 3rd edition has been fully revised throughout and includes:
- a new chapter on using digital images to study Chaucer's texts
- references to a greater range of recent editions and translations
- updated examples and insights from the most recent scholarship on rhetoric, punning, word studies, Middle English dialectology and new approaches to the history of standardisation.

Authoritative and easy to follow, this is an indispensable guide to understanding, appreciating and enjoying the language of Chaucer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350473812
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	10/13/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	515 KB

About the Author

Simon Horobin is Professor of English Language and Literature at Oxford University, UK and a Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford University, UK.
SIMON HOROBIN is a Reader in the Faculty of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford, UK.

Table of Contents

List of Tables
List of Abbreviations
Preface
1. Why Study Chaucer's Language?
2. Writing in English
3. What was Middle English?
4. Spelling and Pronunciation
5. Vocabulary
6. Grammar
7. Language and Style
8. Discourse and Pragmatics
9. Using Electronic Resources to Study Chaucer's Language
10. Electronic Resources
Conclusion
Appendix: Annotated Texts
Glossary of Linguistic Terms
Glossary of Common Middle English Words
Glossary of 'False Friends'
Bibliography
Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Horobin's book is the best short, accessible but rigorous introduction to Chaucer's Middle English on the market.' Anne Laskaya, English Department, University of Oregon, USA

'The author turns linguistic facts into consistently deft critical analysis, making the book useful not just as a 'background' study, but as a stimulus to thinking about Chaucer as a literary author.' Marilyn Corrie, University College London, Department of English, University College London, UK

Praise for the first edition: 'A well-written and informative book.' – Robert Boenig, Texas A&M University, USA 'The book is accessibly written and presented, but also maintains rigorous standards of scholarship, and is informed by the most recent research...This will be a valuable teaching and reference tool for courses on Chaucer, Middle English language and literature, and history of the English language, but is also of interest to the general reader.' – Medium Ævum 'Highly recommended' – Times Higher Education Supplement'…accessible and informative…' – Year's Work in English Studies

'An excellent resource ... indicative of an author impeccably well versed in the Chaucerian corpus' – Studies in the Age of Chaucer

Editorial Reviews

Horobin's newly updated Chaucer's Language continues to show twenty—first century readers the intricate ways Middle English creates meaning. And by introducing those readers to the newest digital resources, Horobin prepares readers to discover for themselves the richness awaiting them in Chaucer's prose and verse.” —Candace Barrington, Professor of English, Central Connecticut State University, USA

“No one knows more about Chaucer's Language and its place in the History of the English Language than Simon Horobin. His writing is lucid, his explanations compelling, and his tone is always that of the enthusiastic teacher, sharing the pleasures of English in all its variety. Whether explaining the history of spelling, the habits of medieval scribes, or the riches of vocabulary, Horobin always makes old words come alive.” —Seth Lerer, Professor of Literature Emeritus, University of California, USA

“This edition includes additional introductory content on vocabulary and grammar to enhance students' sensitivity to Chaucer's language. It also introduces new linguistic theoretical research and explores new possibilities for using digital data to examine his manuscripts and printed texts. It is a valuable resource for all researchers of his language.” —Hideshi Ohno, Professor, Hiroshima University, Japan

From the Publisher