When dealing with medieval English Arthurian literature it is often neglected
that these texts are interesting not only from a literary but also from a
linguistic point of view. They were written in various dialects and were
popular throughout the entire Middle English period. Such texts are therefore
an ideal starting point for an investigation of dialectal and diachronic
varieties of Middle English. This seminar focuses on some of the most
well-known medieval English Arthurian texts in order to demonstrate various
aspects of linguistic change. Layamon's West Midland epic Brut has survived in
two versions with remarkable linguistic differences, which will be examined in
class. From approximately the same dialect area, but written about 200 years
later, is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which will be studied both in
comparison to Layamon's language and in its own right. Malory's Morte D'Arthur
from the end of our period was altered and linguistically updated by William
Caxton in a version which may already be regarded as Early Modern English.
Apart from the linguistic analysis and translation of these texts there may
also be time to look at the actual contents and to watch the occasional film
about the subject in additional voluntary sessions.
The set text is F. Mossé, A Handbook of Middle English, trans. J. A. Walker,
2nd ed. rep. (Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 2001) (ISBN
0-801-86761-4), and copies should be bought in advance. These are available at
Poertgen-Herder
in the Salzstr., or at
amazon.de.
Assessment for this seminar will consist of a final exam as well as a piece of course work to be handed in before the start of SS 03.
As some background knowledge of Middle English is essential for this class
students are recommended to take part in a Sprachhistorischer Grundkurs during
the same semester (unless they have already done so) and/or to have read some
of the following publications before the start of term:
C. Barber, The English Language: a Historical Introduction (Cambridge, 1993) [S FA 1993:3]: chapters 6 and 7 (pp. 127-174)
B. A. Fennell, A History of English: a Sociolinguistic Approach (Oxford, 2001) [S FA 2001:1]: chapter 4 (pp. 94-134)
C. M. Millward, A Biography of the English Language, 2nd ed. (Fort Worth, 1996) [S FA 1996:3]: chapter 6 (pp. 141-222)
Everyone interested in the Arthurian legend in general could have a look at
N. J. Lacy, G. Ashe, and D. N. Mancoff, ed., The Arthurian Handbook, 2nd ed. (New
York and London, 1997) [ME ART 3-7 1997:1]
This publication contains lots of information on further reading if you would
like to get into the spirit of things (although the focus of the course will be
of a linguistic nature).
The first meetings will be on 14 October (Group 1) / 15 October (Group 2).
By this time everyone is expected to have done
some background reading. Attendance is compulsory. There will also be four voluntary
film (k)nights consisting of documentaries and movies. Dates to be announced.
It is essential that candidates will have
visited the following links to get a further impression of the course and to
broaden their understanding of the subject matter:
