Vernacular Literature

Definition

Vernacular literature refers to written works that are produced in the everyday language spoken by the common people, rather than in a prestigious or classical language like Latin. This literary movement played a crucial role in making literature more accessible to wider audiences and helped shape national identities, especially during periods of cultural transformation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vernacular literature emerged as a significant literary movement in the late Middle Ages, allowing authors to write in languages like English, French, and Italian, rather than Latin.
2. The use of vernacular languages helped foster a sense of national identity among the common people, as literature became more relatable and reflective of their everyday experiences.
3. Major works, such as 'The Canterbury Tales' by Chaucer and 'The Divine Comedy' by Dante, exemplify how vernacular literature captured the essence of contemporary life and culture.
4. The rise of printing technology in the 15th century greatly contributed to the spread of vernacular literature, making texts more widely available and affordable for the general population.
5. Vernacular literature laid the foundation for modern literary traditions and influenced later movements like Romanticism, which emphasized individual experience and national cultures.

Review Questions

• How did vernacular literature contribute to the accessibility of literary works during its emergence?
  • Vernacular literature made literary works accessible by using the everyday language spoken by common people instead of Latin, which was primarily understood by the educated elite. This shift allowed a broader audience to engage with literature, enhancing its popularity and relevance. Works like 'The Owl and the Nightingale' demonstrate this trend by presenting themes and language that resonate with ordinary experiences, marking a significant move towards inclusivity in literary expression.
• Discuss how Chaucer's use of vernacular language influenced his literary style and themes.
  • Chaucer's choice to write 'The Canterbury Tales' in English reflects his commitment to using vernacular language to reach a wider audience. His work showcases a variety of characters from different social backgrounds, each speaking in ways that reflect their own dialects and experiences. This approach not only highlights the richness of English as a literary language but also underscores themes of social class and human experience, making his tales relatable and engaging for readers.
• Evaluate the impact of printing technology on the development and preservation of vernacular literature in relation to historical context.
  • The advent of printing technology in the 15th century revolutionized the dissemination of vernacular literature by allowing for mass production and distribution of texts. This democratization of access helped solidify vernacular languages as legitimate literary mediums and encouraged authors to write in their native tongues. As a result, works that previously might have been confined to oral traditions or elite circles became widely read and preserved, fundamentally changing how language was perceived in literature and fostering cultural pride among various national groups.

Related terms

Dialect: A particular form of a language that is specific to a region or social group, influencing how vernacular literature is expressed.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often linked to the promotion of vernacular literature as a means of cultural expression.

Literary Canon: A collection of literary works considered to be authoritative and influential, which often initially excluded vernacular texts in favor of classical ones.