Write a critical note on Chaucer's use of language. (MEG 101 CHAUCER)

Chaucer is renowned for his innovative use of language in Middle English literature. He developed a style of writing that was unique and distinct from the French and Latin influences that were common in the literature of his time.

One of the most notable features of Chaucer's language is his use of vernacular English, which was relatively uncommon in literature at the time. He employed a variety of dialects from different regions of England, creating a rich tapestry of language that reflected the diversity of the country.

Chaucer's language is also marked by its simplicity and accessibility. He wrote for a broad audience and sought to make his works understandable to both educated elites and common people. His language is characterized by its directness, clarity, and wit, making it both entertaining and enlightening.

In addition to his use of vernacular English, Chaucer was also skilled in the use of rhetorical devices, such as alliteration, rhyme, and repetition. His poetry is characterized by its musicality and its ability to capture the rhythms of everyday speech.

At the same time, Chaucer's language is also marked by its complexity and sophistication. He was a learned poet who drew on a wide range of literary and intellectual traditions, including classical literature, French poetry, and Christian theology. His works are rich in allusions, references, and symbolic meanings, which require a deep understanding of the cultural and intellectual context of the time.

Overall, Chaucer's use of language is one of the defining features of his literary style. His ability to blend simplicity and sophistication, accessibility and depth, makes his works both entertaining and intellectually challenging, and has earned him a place as one of the greatest writers in the English language.