The Use of Ye, in the Function of Thou (Classic Reprint)

Russell Osborne Stidston

ISBN 10: 1331930944 / ISBN 13: 9781331930945

Published by Forgotten Books, 2022

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book delves into the subtleties of how English evolved during the 14th century, when the plural form of address, often used as a sign of respect, intertwined with the more familiar singular form to create linguistic shifts that endure in our language even today. The author examines the ways in which societal hierarchy influenced language, particularly in how characters of different ranks addressed royalty and each other. The book shows that this era's literature is rich in examples of the transition from singular to plural pronouns, offering valuable insights into the social and linguistic norms of the time. The complex relationship between language and social standing is illuminated, making this book essential reading for anyone interested in the development of the English language and the interplay between language, power, and respect. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781331930945_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Use of Ye, in the Function of Thou (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1331930944
• ISBN 13: 9781331930945
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • English Language

About this title

Synopsis

Unlocking how medieval speakers addressed one another in fourteenth‑century England, this scholarly study explains how pronouns shaped social interaction in Middle English literature.

It shows how a single word carries nuance about rank, friendship, and respect across a range of works and manuscripts.

The book examines multiple texts, including the Auchinleck and Vernon manuscripts, to trace patterns in the use of you and thou. It explains when singular or plural forms appear, what they signal about status, and how translation and manuscript tradition influence these choices. Rich excerpts illustrate why pronoun use varies by context, speaker, and relationship, offering a window into medieval manners and language.

• Clear evidence of how pronouns reflect social hierarchy and personal relations
• Close comparisons across several major Middle English texts and manuscripts
• Plain explanations of linguistic shifts from French and within English itself
• Discussion of translator choices and manuscript provenance that illuminate the period’s language practice

Ideal for readers of medieval literature, historical linguistics, and copyright-era philology, this edition helps decode how language mirrors social life in a distant era.