In the Middle English period, spoken roughly between the 11th and 15th centuries, language had considerably evolved from Old English. However, Middle English still sounds quite antique to our modern ears. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in learning how to say “thank you” in Middle English, both formally and informally, this guide is here to help. So, let’s embark on a linguistic journey through time and discover some ways to express gratitude in this fascinating language.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Thank You in Middle English
1. Ich þanke þe – This formal phrase translates to “I thank you.” The pronoun “ich” is the Middle English equivalent of “I,” and “þanke” means “to thank.” To make this phrase even more polite, add the word “gere” after “þanke,” which means “heartily” or “sincerely,” resulting in “Ich þanke þe gere,” meaning “I thank you sincerely.” 2. Mines hertes thankes – This expression literally means “thanks of my heart.” It emphasizes the heart as the source of gratitude and is a more elaborate way to say “thank you.” Pronounced as “mee-nes hert-es thank-es,” this phrase was often used in formal settings. 3. Gode thanks – The words “gode thanks” mean “good thanks” in Middle English. This formal expression is similar to the modern phrase “thank you very much” and can be used to express deep gratitude.
Informal Ways to Say Thank You in Middle English
1. Ich þonkie þe – Like its formal counterpart, this informal thank you translates to “I thank you.” However, the use of “ich” instead of “I” and “þonkie” instead of “þanke” gives it a more familiar and casual tone. 2. Merci – Borrowed from Old French, the Middle English term “merci” is an informal way to say “thank you.” Pronounced as “mer-see,” this word has survived in modern English as “mercy.” It was commonly used by the upper classes and indicated a higher level of politeness.
Tips for Speaking Middle English
1. Pronunciation: Middle English pronunciation differs from modern English. To achieve a more authentic sound, remember that vowels were generally pronounced more distinctly and consonants were softer. Try listening to audio recordings or watching videos to learn the correct pronunciation. 2. Vocabulary: Expanding your Middle English vocabulary will enhance your ability to express yourself. Apart from “thank you,” learn other common words and phrases that were used during that era. This will help you to construct more elaborate expressions of gratitude. 3. Context: Keep in mind that formal and informal phrases would have been used in specific contexts. Familiarize yourself with the social norms and customs of the Middle English period to ensure you use the appropriate form of gratitude for each situation.
Examples of Middle English Thank You in Context
1. Formal Example:
Imagine you are attending a courtly event during the Middle English period. As a sign of respect to a noble host, you could say, “Ich þanke þe gere for your gracious hospitality, my lord.” 2. Informal Example:
While wandering through a bustling Medieval market, you purchase an item from a vendor. You could express your gratitude by saying, “Ich þonkie þe for your fine craftsmanship. This will serve me well on my travels.”
Fun Fact: While it’s fascinating to learn Middle English, don’t feel obligated to use it in everyday conversations. It’s a wonderful linguistic journey to explore, but remember that modern English is what connects us all today.
So, whether you’re aiming for a more formal or informal expression of gratitude in Middle English, remember that the context and your audience are essential. Understanding the social and cultural nuances of the Middle English period will assist you in accurately conveying your appreciation. Keep exploring this captivating language and enjoy your newfound knowledge of how to say “thank you” in Middle English!
