The conversion of texts from the English language used roughly between 1150 and 1470 to its contemporary form is a process that renders older writings accessible to modern readers. This involves substituting archaic vocabulary and grammatical structures with their present-day equivalents. For example, the Middle English phrase “Ich wille go” becomes “I will go” in contemporary usage.
This linguistic transformation is crucial for understanding literary works, historical documents, and cultural artifacts from the medieval period. It allows scholars, students, and general readers to engage with these materials directly, without the barrier of an outdated language. The procedure also sheds light on the evolution of the English language itself, illustrating how its vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation have shifted over time.