Northumbrian
Quick Summary
Northumbrian refers to a native or inhabitant of ancient Northumbria or modern Northumberland. It also denotes the Old English dialect spoken in Northumbria, as well as the modern dialect of Northumberland.12
During the Old English period, the Anglian-speaking region north of the River Humber developed the Northumbrian dialect. This dialect was a leading force in literature and culture in the 8th century. However, Viking invasions in the late 8th and 9th centuries disrupted Northumbria, leading to a shift in cultural leadership to Wessex.3
The old Northumbrian dialect later divided into Scottish and Northern dialects, though detailed knowledge of these before the late 13th century is limited.4
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- Old English language
…Old English language are known: Northumbrian in northern England and southeastern Scotland; Mercian in central England; Kentish in southeastern England; and West Saxon in southern and southwestern England. Mercian and Northumbrian are often classed together as the Anglian dialects. Most extant Old English writings are in the West Saxon dialect;…
Read More…Old English language are known: Northumbrian in northern England and southeastern Scotland; Mercian in central England; Kentish in southeastern England; and West Saxon in southern and southwestern England. Mercian and Northumbrian are often classed together as the Anglian dialects. Most extant Old English writings are in the West Saxon dialect;…
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English languageOld English…the north of the river, Northumbrian, and, to the south, Southumbrian, usually referred to as Mercian. There were thus four dialects: Northumbrian, Mercian, West Saxon, and Kentish. In the 8th century, the Northumbrian speech group led in literature and culture, but that leadership was destroyed by the Viking invaders, who…
Read More…the north of the river, Northumbrian, and, to the south, Southumbrian, usually referred to as Mercian. There were thus four dialects: Northumbrian, Mercian, West Saxon, and Kentish. In the 8th century, the Northumbrian speech group led in literature and culture, but that leadership was destroyed by the Viking invaders, who…
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