What are Some Works Written in Vulgar Latin?
Extensive literary works explicitly labeled as being written in Vulgar Latin may be rare, but different textual and inscriptive fragments provide invaluable insights into the vernacular form of Latin spoken by common people in the Roman Empire. This transition culminated in the evolution of Vulgar Latin into the various Romance languages that characterize Western Europe today. Let's explore some notable examples of texts and inscriptions that reflect the linguistic evolution from Latin to Romance languages.
Glosses and Commentaries
Glosses and Commentaries offer a unique insight into the usage of Vulgar Latin. Many early glosses on classical texts, such as Glossae in Priscianum on Institutiones Grammaticae by Priscian, contain elements of Vulgar Latin. These glosses, which are early annotations or corrections to the Greek or Latin texts, often reveal the phonetic and grammatical variations that were common in the spoken language.
The Gothic Bible
The Gothic Bible, translated by the Gothic bishop Wulfila in the 4th century CE, is another fascinating example of text influenced by Vulgar Latin. This translation, particularly in its linguistic style and structure, demonstrates the early stages of the transition from classical Latin to the emerging Romance languages. The Gothic Bible is significant as it provides evidence of the linguistic shift during the early Christian era.
Inscriptions
Inscriptions from the late Roman Empire offer more tangible evidence of Vulgar Latin. These can be found on tombstones, public monuments, and artifacts. These inscriptions, which were typically written in a mix of Latin and vernacular forms, provide a glimpse into the spoken language of the time. They offer valuable insights into the linguistic diversity and evolution that occurred during the late Roman period.
The Fables of Aesop
The Fables of Aesop, believed to have been influenced by the spoken vernacular of the time, are also noted for their characteristic Vulgar Latin features. These fables, often attributed to the ancient Greek fabulist Aesop, began to incorporate elements of the local spoken language, reflecting the linguistic transition that was occurring during the Roman era.
The Wandering Scholars
Those interested in the evolution of Latin to Romance languages may also want to explore The Wandering Scholars by Helen Waddell. This book, which focuses on Late Latin poetry, includes some excellent selections that highlight the linguistic transformation during this period. Additionally, readers can delve into the poetry of Venantius Fortunatus (540-609 AD), who wrote eleven books of Latin poetry. Fortunatus's work, particularly his poems from the 9th century and beyond, often reflect the speech patterns of Vulgar Latin, providing a fascinating link to the medieval period.
Additional Insights: Venantius Fortunatus
For a deeper dive into medieval Latin poetry, Venantius Fortunatus offers rich material. Fortunatus, a prolific Latin poet of the sixth and seventh centuries, has left behind a substantial literary legacy. His works, though not explicitly labeled as Vulgar Latin, demonstrate the linguistic and cultural transition from classical Latin to the emerging Romance languages. If you're unfamiliar with Fortunatus, the Wikipedia page provides a concise introduction to his life and works: Venantius Fortunatus - Wikipedia.
Concluding Thoughts
The works discussed here, whether glosses, commentaries, inscriptions, fables, or poetry, collectively illustrate the linguistic evolution from Latin to the various Romance languages that are prominent today. These texts, while not formal literary works, provide crucial evidence of the spoken language of the time, offering a window into the complex cultural and linguistic transformations that occurred in the Roman Empire and beyond.