Here's why:
* French evolved over time: Medieval French covers a very long period (roughly 5th to 15th centuries). The language itself changed significantly during this time, so what was spoken in the 5th century is quite different from what was spoken in the 15th century.
* Regional dialects: Just like today, there were many regional variations of French during the Middle Ages. The language spoken in Paris, for example, was different from that spoken in the south of France.
* Latin: Although the vernacular languages were developing, Latin remained the language of learning, government, and the Church throughout much of the medieval period.
Instead of a single language, we can refer to different stages of medieval French:
* Old French (c. 842-1300): This is the earliest stage of the language, marked by significant differences in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary compared to Modern French.
* Middle French (c. 1300-1600): This period saw the language evolve towards more modern forms, with changes in grammar and vocabulary.
For studying medieval French, it's important to consider the specific period and region:
* For example: If you're studying the Song of Roland, you'll need to learn Old French. If you're studying the works of François Villon, you'll need to learn Middle French.
So, while there's no single "common language" for medieval French, understanding its various stages and regional variations allows for a deeper appreciation of its rich history and evolution.