Project description DEENESFRITPL A closer look at linguistic identity in mediaeval Europe In mediaeval Europe, questions surrounding linguistic identity held significant importance. Amidst the multifaceted tapestry, researchers are examining the relationship between language and identity, as well as the demarcation of cognate languages. The ERC-funded TVOF project challenges prevailing narratives. By focusing on the crucial period of 1100-1450 and examining the role of French as a supralocal, transnational language, the project aims to illuminate its impact on the emergence of a European identity during the Middle Ages. Through an international collaboration of scholars from diverse disciplines, the project offers a fresh approach to understanding the complex interplay of language and culture in shaping European history. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Two questions about linguistic identity lie at the heart of this project. What is the relation historically between language andidentity in Europe? How are cognate languages demarcated from each other? Normative models of national languageshelped shape Europe. Yet they did not become hegemonic until the 19th century. Indeed, they were imposed (not alwayssuccessfully) on a linguistic map of Europe more fluid and complex than most histories of national languages allow. In theMiddle Ages multilingualism was common, as was the use of non-local languages, notably Latin, but also French. Thisproject undertakes a revaluation of the nature and value of the use of French in Europe during a crucial period, 1100-1450,less in terms of its cultural prestige (the traditional focus of scholarship) than of its role as a supralocal, transnationallanguage, particularly in Western Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. The project fosters collaboration between, andcuts across, different intellectual and national scholarly traditions, drawing on expertise in codicology, critical theory,linguistics, literature, and philology; it involves scholars from a range of European countries and North America, entailingempirical research around a complex and widely disseminated textual tradition vital to medieval understandings ofEuropean history and identity, L’Histoire ancienne jusqu’à César. This case study will ground and stimulate broaderspeculative reflection on the two core questions concerning linguistic identity. While the project builds on prior critiques ofthe construction of, and investment in, national languages and literary traditions, it has a broad historical scope, and willoffer an innovative, genuinely international perspective, in terms of both its object of study and method. Indeed, its final aim,through and beyond its consideration of French as a lingua franca, is to interrogate that language’s role in the emergenceof a European identity in the Middle Ages. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabaseshumanitieslanguages and literaturelinguisticsphonologyhumanitieshistory and archaeologyhistorymedieval historyhumanitieslanguages and literatureliterature studiesliterary theoryliterary criticismhumanitieslanguages and literatureliterature studieshistory of literature Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-ADG-2014 - ERC Advanced Grant Call for proposal ERC-2014-ADG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant Host institution KING'S COLLEGE LONDON Net EU contribution € 2 274 225,00 Address STRAND WC2R 2LS London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 2 274 225,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all KING'S COLLEGE LONDON United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 2 274 225,00 Address STRAND WC2R 2LS London See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 2 274 225,00
