Definition

Proper noun * Langue d'Oc: A historical Romance language, or group of closely related dialects, spoken in the southern half of France during the Middle Ages. It is the precursor to modern Occitan. The name literally means "language of oc," derived from the word for "yes" (oc) used in these dialects, in contrast to the northern French dialects (langue d'oïl) where "yes" was oïl (modern oui).

Usage

• Langue d'Oc is used as a historical and linguistic term to refer to the medieval language of Southern France.
• It is often discussed in contrast to Langue d'Oïl, the language of Northern France which evolved into modern standard French.
• The term is typically used in academic, historical, or linguistic contexts.

Examples

• The poetry of the troubadours was composed in Langue d'Oc.
• Langue d'Oc was once a major literary language in medieval Europe.
• Linguistic studies often compare the grammar of Langue d'Oc with that of Catalan.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metonymically to refer to the culture and region of medieval Southern France where this language was spoken.
  • The influence of Langue d'Oc culture extended into northern Spain and Italy.

Variants and Related Words

• Occitan (n.): The modern term for the continuum of Romance dialects descended directly from Langue d'Oc, still spoken in parts of southern France, Italy's Occitan Valleys, and Monaco.
• Provençal (n.): One of the major dialects of modern Occitan, often used historically as a synonym for Langue d'Oc, particularly the literary form.
• Langue d'Oïl (n.): The historical Romance dialects of northern France, characterized by using for "yes," which developed into standard French.

Synonyms

• Old Occitan
• Medieval Occitan
• (In specific contexts) Provençal

Notes on Meaning

• Langue d'Oc specifically refers to the medieval state of the language. Using it to refer to the modern spoken dialects is considered archaic or imprecise; the preferred modern term is Occitan.
• It is not a single standardized language but a grouping of mutually intelligible dialects, including Auvergnat, Gascon, Languedocien, Limousin, and Provençal.

Noun

1. medieval provincial dialects of French formerly spoken in the south of France