The Importance Of Latin During The English Renaissance

The importance of Latin during the English Renaissance

Latin played a critical role in the development of English during the English Renaissance, it was the language used by the authorities and the aristocrats during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The “English Renaissance is sometimes referred to as the ‘the age of Shakespeare’ taking the name of the most famous author of the period” (http://www.studyenglishtoday.net/english-language-history.html). The English Renaissance was not only a time where a new language as born, it was also a time of growth. “The word Renaissance itself expresses the idea of looking back and looking forward at the same time” (Stockwell and Minkova 2001:41). In order to ascertain if English was establishing its supremacy over Latin or if it was more under the influence, several resources were consulted. In this essay, I will argue that even though Latin influenced English to a great extent, Latin was no longer the language of choice, the people of Britain proudly used their vernacular language and English became a symbol of unity and status.

In order to establish how English gained ground over Latin, it is crucial to discuss the importance of Latin in the church. England was a religious society and the church was at the center of life. The Roman Catholic Church infiltrated and coordinated life, they decided how to translate the texts from the Bible and what information they would provide to the parishioners. The priests believed that God