Vocabulary in Medieval Novels

As I write medieval novels and try to choose only words they used during the time period that readers today will still understand, I realize how important the Renaissance (or the Early Modern period if you prefer) was for language development. The prolific writers of that day brought language to a new height. It is remarkable how many new words and new usages came into existence during the time around Queen Elizabeth's reign.

For example, common words that were not used in the Middle Ages but we use today include bashful, dessert, disappoint, expect, funds, group, hesitate, ill-tempered, nearly, realize, responsible, shyness, and timid. The list goes on and on, but this will give you some idea. I kept grumbling to my husband, "I don't see how they said anything back then. They had no words."

Of course, that's not true. They also had some words that have gone out of the common language or we rarely use today. Here are some examples of those more recognizable to a few people today, but there are many more: amiss (wrong), anon (soon), bliand (an outer garment worn by both genders), bode (indicate), destrier (warhorse or a knight's horse), err (do wrong, a mistake), forsooth (in truth), gainsay (speak out against, oppose, or stop), and ire (anger).

Writing historical fiction set in the Middle Ages can be challenging, but it's also exciting. As a history enthusiast, I've found it fun to bring this era to life. So far, I have two novellas with a medieval setting out on Kindle. I'm getting ready to combine Roslyn's Rescue and Glenda's Gold to publish a print book called Time-Told Tales, Volume One. I hope there will be others and a volume two down the road. The more I write novels set in this time period, the easier it becomes.

https://www.amazon.com/Roslyns-Rescue-Janice-Cole-Hopkins-ebook/dp/B07MDSJKJC/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Glendas-Gold-Time-Told-Tales-Book-ebook/dp/B07NBSCLW6

(All profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.)

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