In the southern part of England, people
in medieval times spoke a language called Anglo-Saxon. This language
is also called Old English.
Written
Old English: Although Old English is at the root of modern
English, it does not look like the English we speak today. In
fact, it looks something like this: oðþæt him æghwylc þær
ymbsittendra ofer hronrade hyran scolde (Beowulf, Old English).
Anglo-Saxon uses only some of the same letters we use in our alphabet
today. Plus, it uses three letters that we no longer use -
þ ð æ
Spoken
Old English: In medieval times, most people did not read or
write. Perhaps that is why it is sometimes easier to hear and
understand Old English than it is to read it. Still, there are many
words in Old English that we do not use today. Here are some examples
...
durst –
Dare; to have the necessary boldness or courage for something
whence -
From where, e.g., "Whence comest thou?" means
"Where do you come from?"
whither - To where, e.g.,
"Whither thou goest, I'll go." means "Where you go,
I will go."
wit – To know, e.g., Canst
thou wit what the day shall bring?