How did I not know about the METS resource?! I took a Chaucer/Middle English class in university and haven't gone back since; which is a shame. Might pick it up again, and dust off the Old English! Great article.
I've just read your latest post and the resources you list look amazing. I can't wait to get stuck in! Not necessarily on the beach, though. Thank you so much for information, helpful suggestions, tips, etc.
I picked up a copy of Tolkien’s translations of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” “Pearl,” and “Sir Orfeo.” I’ve finished “Sir Gawain” and am now reading “Pearl.” I am enjoying them, although Hubs looks at me funny because when I read them, I mutter under my breath—there is something about the language and the rhythm of the lines that demands to be spoken!
How do you rate Tolkien’s translations vs. the METS version? (And, thank you for the resource!)
Thank you for the article. METS looks like a great resource, and I look forward to your eventual guide on Early and Middle Scots.
Incidentally, regarding Scots, just this morning I discovered a free (gratis) course for Modern Scots. Looks well-funded and carefully prepared, as part of efforts to make Scots an official language in Scotland. The language instruction is advertised as "the way a child learns a language", immersion-style, mainly listening, covering a variety of (modern) dialects. There's also extensive context about culture and geography; either a feature or distraction, depending on goals and interest.
Just starting the course myself—no feedback to share—but I'm hoping to gain a foundation in the phonology and some orthographic instincts to push forward with reading-based learning. I also hope to apply some of what I learn to Early and Middle Scots...
i went through a lot of these back in the day, but i had to use "a handbook of middle english" & whatever glossaries were included with the texts (i would trek to the nearby college library's OED with my word lists). can't mention middle scots without dunbar, though. he is funnier (& dirtier) than chaucer...
I never expected to add Sir Orfeo to a beach-reading list, but this has persuaded me! The image of the unnoticed room in one’s own house is also wonderful, a fascinating read.
This is only tangentially related, but I was just filling out a form for a medical appointment, and I had to select my preferred language from a very lost list. I kid you not, one of the choices, after "English" was "English, middle (1100-1500)" I couldn't believe it! And, yes, that's what I selected. It didn't change any of the forms to Middle English, though. Oh, well.
The three step method is what I will use, because it builds a link to the old words rather than to a translation. Anyone who learned a language as an adult knows how much that matters.
How did I not know about the METS resource?! I took a Chaucer/Middle English class in university and haven't gone back since; which is a shame. Might pick it up again, and dust off the Old English! Great article.
This is fascinating…and so tempting to dive into. Thank you.
I've just read your latest post and the resources you list look amazing. I can't wait to get stuck in! Not necessarily on the beach, though. Thank you so much for information, helpful suggestions, tips, etc.
I picked up a copy of Tolkien’s translations of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” “Pearl,” and “Sir Orfeo.” I’ve finished “Sir Gawain” and am now reading “Pearl.” I am enjoying them, although Hubs looks at me funny because when I read them, I mutter under my breath—there is something about the language and the rhythm of the lines that demands to be spoken!
How do you rate Tolkien’s translations vs. the METS version? (And, thank you for the resource!)
Thank you for the article. METS looks like a great resource, and I look forward to your eventual guide on Early and Middle Scots.
Incidentally, regarding Scots, just this morning I discovered a free (gratis) course for Modern Scots. Looks well-funded and carefully prepared, as part of efforts to make Scots an official language in Scotland. The language instruction is advertised as "the way a child learns a language", immersion-style, mainly listening, covering a variety of (modern) dialects. There's also extensive context about culture and geography; either a feature or distraction, depending on goals and interest.
Just starting the course myself—no feedback to share—but I'm hoping to gain a foundation in the phonology and some orthographic instincts to push forward with reading-based learning. I also hope to apply some of what I learn to Early and Middle Scots...
Links:
- An article promoting the course: https://openscot.net/oer/open-for-scots/
- Part 1 of the course: https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/course/view.php?id=2705
Looks like METS needs our help
"Like many others, our NEH funding was cut in Spring 2025, leaving our work in jeopardy."
Yes, I saw that when we were reading Sir Gawain & The Green Knight. At the time I wasn’t sure where to even start.
This post of Colin’s is very helpful. And I’ll take their suggestion to contribute $10.
BbPlease everyone, give them even a small amount—these cuts were made without any rational discussion about budget or any nuance.
i went through a lot of these back in the day, but i had to use "a handbook of middle english" & whatever glossaries were included with the texts (i would trek to the nearby college library's OED with my word lists). can't mention middle scots without dunbar, though. he is funnier (& dirtier) than chaucer...
As an English student, thank you! I had been searching for something more school like and fun to read for the summer holiday and this is great!
I never expected to add Sir Orfeo to a beach-reading list, but this has persuaded me! The image of the unnoticed room in one’s own house is also wonderful, a fascinating read.
Thanks for this! I'll remember METS. (I'm a lay person but I read Spencer's Fair Queen and loved it!) I feel confident to read more now.
This is only tangentially related, but I was just filling out a form for a medical appointment, and I had to select my preferred language from a very lost list. I kid you not, one of the choices, after "English" was "English, middle (1100-1500)" I couldn't believe it! And, yes, that's what I selected. It didn't change any of the forms to Middle English, though. Oh, well.
Oh this is brilliant and the METS offerings are being added to my fall goals. Thank you for the resources and ideas!
Now THIS is fun! Emily Henry, look OUT!
I am thrilled to find Thrillihod as the word for Trinity in the new METS Grosseteste
Even “Old English” is pretty legible to a linguist with a bit of study under her belt
The three step method is what I will use, because it builds a link to the old words rather than to a translation. Anyone who learned a language as an adult knows how much that matters.