Primary Differences Between Old French and Middle French

Old French: Old French refers to the language spoken in France from the 9th to the 14th century. During this period, the language underwent significant changes.

Middle French: Middle French emerged in the 14th century and lasted until the 16th century. It represented a transitional phase between Old French and Modern French.

Linguistic Changes:

Old French had a complex phonological system with nasal vowels, which were later simplified in Middle French. The grammar also evolved, with the loss of case markings and a shift towards a more analytical structure in Middle French.

Vocabulary Evolution:

Many Latin words were introduced into Old French, but Middle French saw a significant increase in borrowings from Italian, Spanish, and English due to cultural exchanges.

Cultural Influences:

Old French was heavily influenced by Latin, while Middle French saw the rise of vernacular literature with works like Charles d'Orléans' poetry, reflecting a new cultural and intellectual awakening.

In conclusion, the primary differences between Old French and Middle French lie in linguistic changes, vocabulary evolution, and cultural influences, marking a crucial period in the development of the French language.