Early English

views updated May 18 2018

Early English (Anglo-Saxon, or Old English) English language from c.450 to 1100. It constitutes the earliest form of English, directly descended from the Germanic languages of the early Anglo-Saxons. It had a vocabulary of c.50,000 words. It comprised four main dialects: Northumbrian, Mercian, Kentish, and West Saxon. The best of Early English literature, such as the epic poem Beowulf, was written in Northumbrian. West Saxon became the chief dialect as a result of Alfred the Great's unification of England.

Early English

views updated May 21 2018

Early English First phase of English Gothic (13th century). It followed Norman architecture. In c.1250, French-inspired English stonemasons developed a native Gothic idiom: Canterbury Cathedral is a very early example. Later works emphasized appearance rather than structure: builders ornamented and enhanced visible walls, such as Rievaulx Abbey, or made prominent use of vault ribbing, such as Lincoln Cathedral. See also Decorated style; perpendicular style

Early English

views updated Jun 11 2018

Early English. See First Pointed.

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Early English

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