Pronunciation: [mˈɪdə͡l wˈɛlʃ] (IPA) 
"Middle Welsh" is spelled /ˈmɪdəl wɛlʃ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a soft "d" and the "l" sound. The second word, "Welsh," is pronounced with a silent "h" and the "e" sound is more open, similar to a schwa. The language known as "Middle Welsh" refers to the Welsh language spoken during the Middle Ages and is a predecessor to the modern Welsh language.
Middle Welsh is a historical stage of the Welsh language that spanned from the 12th to the 15th centuries. It was used during the medieval period in Wales, representing the transitional phase between Old Welsh and Modern Welsh. Middle Welsh formed an integral part of Welsh literature and was used in various written documents, such as poetry, prose, religious texts, and legal manuscripts.
During this period, Middle Welsh developed distinct characteristics that differentiate it from its older and younger forms. It witnessed changes in grammar, vocabulary, and phonology, with Old Welsh inflections declining and new constructions emerging. Middle Welsh also adopted loanwords from other languages, particularly Norman French and Latin, due to the influence of the Normans in Wales.
Middle Welsh texts include famous works like the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh legends and tales, and the Welsh laws of Hywel Dda, which were essentially a compilation of legal codes. These texts provide valuable insights into the society, culture, mythology, and history of medieval Wales.
Middle Welsh ultimately evolved into Modern Welsh during the Late Middle Ages. However, the transition period varied across different regions, and traces of Middle Welsh elements persisted in certain dialects. Today, Middle Welsh is studied by scholars and linguists to understand the linguistic and literary developments of the medieval Welsh-speaking world.
The word "Middle Welsh" refers to a stage in the development of the Welsh language, which was spoken during the Middle Ages from roughly the 12th to the late 14th century. The etymology of "Middle Welsh" is relatively straightforward.
"Middle" comes from the Old English word "middel", which means "central" or "between". It later developed into Middle English as "middle". In this context, "middle" denotes that Middle Welsh is the stage between the earlier Old Welsh and the later Modern Welsh.
"Welsh" originally comes from the Old English word "wealh", which means "foreigner" or "Romance-speaker". It was used by the Anglo-Saxons to refer to the Celtic-speaking people, including the Britons and later the people of Wales.
