Medieval History

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Medieval Languages

The languages spoken and written in the Middle Ages were notably different from modern tongues. The sites and directories below provide word lists, grammar aids and other resources to help you deal with languages as they were used during the Middle Ages.
The History of the Coptic Language
Eleven-part document by Hany N. Takla provides a historical overview of this significant Egyptian language used in ecclesiastical matters through the fourteenth century.
Mystery of the Futhark Alphabet
This intriguing article by Turgay Kurum, which explores the shared origin of the Scandinavian Runic alphabet and the Gokturk alphabet used in ancient Turkish inscriptions, is also available in Turkish.
Glossary of Mongol Terms
Dozens of terms defined, from Altan Uruk to Yurt, at the Dark Horde site.
Old French on the Web
This friendly site by Joseph E. Price, a Ph.D. Candidate in French Linguistics at Indiana University, offers a lucid introduction to the history of the French language, a gateway to Old French texts, and an evolving course to help you learn the language.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Tocharian*
*(But were afraid to ask). Brief but informative page by Mark Dickens on the origin and discovery of this extinct Indo-European language.
History and Status of the Welsh Language
Informative page by Geraint Jones defines the Welsh language and includes information on its history as well as where it stands today. Also links to a course for learning modern-day Welsh.

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