* Middle English was not a single, unified language. It was a period of significant change from Old English to Early Modern English, with regional dialects and variations in spelling.
* Spelling was not standardized. Even within a single region, there were different ways to spell the same word.
However, here are some key points to consider:
* Vowel sounds were different. Sounds we now pronounce with "a" might have been spelled with "e" or "o" in Middle English, and vice versa.
* "gh" was often pronounced like a "f" sound. For example, "night" was spelled "nyht" and pronounced like "neft".
* "ch" was sometimes pronounced like "k" or "sh" depending on the word.
* Words were often spelled closer to their pronunciation. This meant more variations than in modern English.
To understand Middle English spelling:
* Look for context. If you're reading a text, pay attention to how other similar words are spelled.
* Use dictionaries or glossaries. There are resources specifically designed to help readers understand Middle English spelling.
* Be prepared to see a lot of variation. Don't expect consistency in spelling!
It's important to note that learning Middle English spelling is a journey, not a destination. The more you read and practice, the more you'll get a feel for the language.