How Far Back in Time Could You Go and Still Understand English?
I am an exception, in that Middle English is no problem for me if it is written down. When spoken with the original accent, however, I am not practiced in understanding it.
I agree that Middle English is no problem in written form. I suspect a half a day hearing conversation in it and your ear would be much more comfortable picking it up. It doesn't seem so strange to my ear that it would be harder to understand than a thick Scottish accent, say. I'd struggle to be sure if I went to Scotland for a day, maybe two, but then I think my ear would find it's footing.
I agree that Middle English is no problem in written form. I suspect a half a day hearing conversation in it and your ear would be much more comfortable picking it up. It doesn't seem so strange to my ear that it would be harder to understand than a thick Scottish accent, say. I'd struggle to be sure if I went to Scotland for a day, maybe two, but then I think my ear would find it's footing.
ReplyDeleteNow, Old English- that's another story!