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Article
British Library

British Library: Discovering Literature: What Is the Owl and the Nightingale About?

For Students 9th - 10th
"The Owl and the Nightingale" is one of the earliest substantial texts to be written in Middle English. Read an overview of this poem and view additional resources such as articles and collection items.
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Website
British Library

British Library: Discovering Literature: Language and Voice

For Students 9th - 10th
From the development of Old and Middle English to the innovations of William Caxton and the printing press: explore language and voice in the medieval period.
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Website
Harvard University

The Harvard Chaucer Page: The Great Vowel Shift

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from The Geoffrey Chaucer Page provides examples showing the difference between Chaucer's language and our own. The name of the site is the Great Vowel Shift and the text provided is medium in length, with several examples...
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Unit Plan
Luminarium

Luminarium: Middle English Lyrics: Texts

For Students 9th - 10th
A site with links to various Middle English works and their lyrics. Several images and related links.
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Handout
Other

Fl International University: History of English Language

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This resource presents a brief history of the English language provided by an amateur historian of English and librarian.
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Website
Luminarium

Luminarium: Heroes of the Middle Ages

For Students 9th - 10th
Approximately half-way through this essay is an intriguing paragraph dealing with Sir Gawain's spiritual battle in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." This is contrasted with the more traditional physical battle of many epic heroes....