Running head: VERNACULAR 1

Vernacular Language
Rachael Richter
American Intercontinental University

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Vernacular Language Vernacular language is the term used to describe the native language of a population. It refers to the use of a language native to a country and or region rather than a scholarly, civilized, or foreign language. During the Renaissance time, written vernaculars grew tremendously. They became objects of debate and scholarship. Renaissance humanists began to study language much earlier. (Moyer, 2013) The use of vernacular languages increased during the late middle ages. Languages represent the strongest symbol of a person’s ethnicity. The advocacy or discouragement of vernacular literacy corresponds with the assertion or suppression ethnic barriers. The use of these written languages directly correlates with politics and events. Literacy was re-vested within the church and was established in Latin. However, a liberal and indigenous renewal in the ninth century, influenced by Alfred the Great, caused the creation of these writings to be written in Old English. Biblical texts, religious commentaries, and antiquities were Latin works that had been translated into English rather than an actual recording. (Tillotson, 2005) As the Roman State developed, so did the advancement of the Latin language. Latin became wide spread all through the Mediterranean and finally became the primary language in the Western half of the empire. Originally, Latin had been one of many Italic languages that were all associated with the Indo-European dialectal family. The advancement of the Latin language had been motivated by many different languages including; Etruscan, Celtic, and Greek. Like most languages, Latin encountered a long evolution to get to its current state. During

VERNACULAR 3 the evolution, there was a distinct difference between the written and articulated language of the accomplished people and the uneducated community. When speaking the language, including words from another language was a common practice. (The applied Research Group, 1996) Among the Roman State, Latin was the language of the government. It also allowed communication between people whose first language had originated from a native tongue. Before Latin, Aramaic and Greek had provided a common purpose in the Eastern Mediterranean. After the Roman acquistion, both of these languages remained widely used. In the East, Greek strongly altered the augmentation of literature and learning in Latin. In Western Europe it was the writings of Latin authors that would have a huge importance long term. The authors of the Golden Age created works that became part of literacy and academic ancestry that lasted for several centuries. Even after the proliferation of Christianity, the cultivated population progressively shared their heritage. (The Applied History Research Group, 1996) Prior to Christianity becoming the foremost religion in Rome, Latin became the language of the Western church. Of the eight fathers of the church, four wrote in Latin. The rendition of the New and Old Testaments into Latin was decidedly essential to the compilation of Western, Latin Christianity. Until recently, Latin continued to be the way of communicating within the church. (The Applied History Research Group, 1996) Because the people were unable to speak Latin, vernacular language was easily able to spread. The argument referring to whether religious services should be conducted in vernacular rather than Latin lead to the reform. In the end, because vernacular language allowed for a simpler way to convert people to Christianity, it was the chosen language over Latin. However,

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