ENG3701
MAY/JUNE EXAM
Year: 2023 (SEMESTER 1)
PREVIEW:
THE ESSAY:
The transition from Old English to Middle English. By examining the historical context of these extracts
and analyzing their differences and similarities in terms of spelling, vocabulary, and inflections, we can
gain insight into the linguistic changes that occurred during this period. To understand the extracts, we
must first place them in their historical contexts. Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, was the
language spoken in England from approximately the 5th to the 11th century. It derived from the
Germanic tribes that settled in Britain, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. However, Old English
was not a static language, as it was heavily influenced by the Vikings, particularly Old Norse, due to
invasions and settlement in the 9th and 10th centuries.
LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS 2023 0618151315
, Answer BOTH questions.
SECTION A
Question 1
The first extract on the next page (on the left) comes from an Anglo-Saxon translation of the
Bible. The second extract (on the right) is a Middle English version. (The Old and Middle
English appear in italics, and literal translations into Modern English are provided above each
verse.1)
Basing your discussion on the extracts provided, write an essay in which you discuss the
differences and similarities between Old and Middle English in terms of spelling, vocabulary
and inflections OR inflections, syntax and prepositions.
Your essay should:
1) Place the Old and Middle English extracts in their historical contexts, commenting
briefly on the origins of Old English and the influence of Old Norse and the Norman
Conquest on English.
2) Use the extracts in order to point out differences and similarities between Old English
and Middle English in terms of either
• spelling, vocabulary and inflections; OR
• inflections, syntax and prepositions.
3) Explain how the changes from Old English to Middle English that you have
pointed out occurred. (Remember to reflect on the influences of other languages on the
English language.)
1
Note that a literal translation is a word-for-word translation, and thus the translations provided above
the OE and ME passages reflect the OE and ME word order.
MAY/JUNE EXAM
Year: 2023 (SEMESTER 1)
PREVIEW:
THE ESSAY:
The transition from Old English to Middle English. By examining the historical context of these extracts
and analyzing their differences and similarities in terms of spelling, vocabulary, and inflections, we can
gain insight into the linguistic changes that occurred during this period. To understand the extracts, we
must first place them in their historical contexts. Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, was the
language spoken in England from approximately the 5th to the 11th century. It derived from the
Germanic tribes that settled in Britain, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. However, Old English
was not a static language, as it was heavily influenced by the Vikings, particularly Old Norse, due to
invasions and settlement in the 9th and 10th centuries.
LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS 2023 0618151315
, Answer BOTH questions.
SECTION A
Question 1
The first extract on the next page (on the left) comes from an Anglo-Saxon translation of the
Bible. The second extract (on the right) is a Middle English version. (The Old and Middle
English appear in italics, and literal translations into Modern English are provided above each
verse.1)
Basing your discussion on the extracts provided, write an essay in which you discuss the
differences and similarities between Old and Middle English in terms of spelling, vocabulary
and inflections OR inflections, syntax and prepositions.
Your essay should:
1) Place the Old and Middle English extracts in their historical contexts, commenting
briefly on the origins of Old English and the influence of Old Norse and the Norman
Conquest on English.
2) Use the extracts in order to point out differences and similarities between Old English
and Middle English in terms of either
• spelling, vocabulary and inflections; OR
• inflections, syntax and prepositions.
3) Explain how the changes from Old English to Middle English that you have
pointed out occurred. (Remember to reflect on the influences of other languages on the
English language.)
1
Note that a literal translation is a word-for-word translation, and thus the translations provided above
the OE and ME passages reflect the OE and ME word order.
