How did The Canterbury Tales (by Geoffrey Chaucer) change the English language?

I know it was very successful in Europe and promoted English as a national language, but anything else?

Lucy ^.^

The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, had a significant impact on the English language in several ways:

1. Popularizing Middle English: One of the key influences of The Canterbury Tales was its role in popularizing Middle English. Chaucer's writing style incorporated elements from various dialects of English spoken at that time, including East Midland, which eventually became the basis for Standard English.

2. Standardization of English: Chaucer's work helped in standardizing English by establishing a written form that was accessible to a wider audience. The tales were written in a language that was more comprehensible to the general population compared to earlier literature, which was predominantly in Latin or French.

3. Expansion of English vocabulary: Chaucer's writing introduced numerous words and phrases into the English language, either by creating new ones or borrowing from other languages. Some examples include words like "pilgrimage," "cherish," "absolution," and expressions like "all's well that ends well" and "give the devil his due."

4. Influence on later authors: The Canterbury Tales set a precedent for English poets and storytellers, influencing generations of writers who followed. Chaucer's use of language, storytelling techniques, and character development had a lasting impact on English literature.

5. Cultural significance: The Canterbury Tales played a crucial role in promoting English as a national language and fostering a sense of national identity among English-speaking people. By including characters from various social classes and regions, Chaucer's work represented the diversity of England and contributed to the emergence of a distinct English cultural identity.

To summarize, The Canterbury Tales changed the English language by popularizing Middle English, standardizing written English, expanding the vocabulary, inspiring future authors, and fostering national identity.