Question

The most important dialect during the Old English period was:

• A. Welsh
• B. Wessex
• C. Kentish
• D. Mercian

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Wessex

• The most important dialect during the Old English period was Wessex.

• Wessex (West Saxon dialect) became the dominant written and literary dialect of Old English.

• It was promoted by King Alfred the Great and used in most Old English manuscripts.

• The other dialects—Welsh (which is actually a Celtic language, not Old English), Kentish, and Mercian—were less dominant in literature and official use.