How to Read Middle English: Transcribing Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
Audio Brief
Show transcript
This episode covers the fascinating challenge of deciphering 15th-century English handwriting, using the Ellesmere Chaucer manuscript as a key example.
There are three key takeaways for approaching medieval English scripts. First, always transcribe letter by letter rather than attempting whole word recognition due to inconsistent spelling. Second, learn common letter substitutions from the period, such as I and J or U and V being interchangeable. Third, pay close attention to subtle letter details like a dot over a 'y' to distinguish it from an archaic 'thorn'.
Because medieval spelling was highly inconsistent, a letter-by-letter approach is essential. This also helps in understanding the unique idiosyncratic style of an individual scribe, known as their 'scribe's hand'.
Many letters had different forms or were used interchangeably; for instance, 'I' and 'J' or 'U' and 'V' were often substituted for one another. Additionally, archaic letters like the 'thorn,' which resembled a 'y' but sounded like 'th,' frequently appear, making 'ye' actually mean 'the'.
Small visual cues are critical for accurate transcription. For example, a dot over what appears to be a 'y' often confirms it as that letter, differentiating it from the 'thorn' character. Understanding the physical writing tools, such as the quill's influence on downstrokes, further aids in deciphering letter construction.
Ultimately, learning these techniques offers a unique and intimate connection to original medieval sources, enriching our understanding of history.
Episode Overview
- An introduction to reading 15th-century English handwriting, using the famous Ellesmere Chaucer manuscript as a primary example.
- A breakdown of the common challenges modern readers face, including unfamiliar letter shapes, interchangeable letters, and lack of standardized spelling.
- Practical tips and demonstrations on how to identify specific letters and transcribe medieval text letter by letter.
- An explanation of the tools used by medieval scribes, such as the quill and iron gall ink, and how they influenced the script's appearance.
Key Concepts
- Anglicana: A specific style of formal handwriting used in 15th-century England, distinct from the language (Middle English) itself.
- Scribe's Hand: The unique and idiosyncratic writing style of an individual scribe. Recognizing a specific scribe's patterns is crucial for accurate transcription.
- Letter Variations: Many letters had different forms than they do today. Key examples include the "double-lobed a," the "long r," and interchangeable letters like I/J and U/V.
- Archaic Letters: The video explains letters no longer in use, such as the "thorn" (looks like a 'y' but sounds like 'th') and the "yogh" (looks like a '3' and can sound like 'gh').
- Writing Tools & Technique: Scribes used quills and ink, favoring downstrokes to maintain a sharp point. This physical constraint directly influenced the shape and construction of letters, such as forming an 'n' with two separate downstrokes.
Quotes
- At 00:05 - "Anglicana is a style of handwriting." - The speaker clarifies the distinction between the language being used (Middle English) and the script itself.
- At 04:11 - "So what we see as 'ye' is actually 'the'." - Explaining that the letter "thorn," which resembles a modern 'y', made the "th" sound, demystifying a common historical phrase.
- At 09:03 - "But there's something really special about being able to read the original sources and see it for yourself. When you look at the original source material, you connect to the source in a totally different, more intimate way." - Highlighting the intrinsic value of learning to read historical manuscripts directly.
Takeaways
- To read medieval handwriting, focus on deciphering the text letter by letter rather than trying to recognize whole words, as spelling was highly inconsistent.
- Learn to identify common letter substitutions from the period, such as I/J and U/V being used interchangeably, to avoid confusion during transcription.
- Pay attention to small details that differentiate letters; for example, a dot over a 'y' confirms it is a 'y' and not a "thorn" (th), and a long 'r' can look very different from a modern one.
