Did Mary Queen of Scots Speak English Even Though She Was Scottish?
Mary, Queen of Scots, is often remembered as a figure who bridged the linguistic divide between Scotland and Europe. While she was indeed Scottish, understanding the nuances of her multilingual capabilities is crucial to comprehending her interactions during a tumultuous period in Scottish and European history.
Background and Early Years
Contrary to the common misconception that Mary, Queen of Scots, would have spoken English as her first language, the reality is more complex. As a child, she learned several languages, each serving a specific purpose in her diplomatic and political life. Her mother tongue, however, was Scots or Scottish English, which forms a foundation for understanding her linguistic capabilities.
Childhood and Language Acquisition
Scots was the primary language used in Scotland for informal communication. Since Mary spent her early years in Scotland under her mother's care, she naturally picked up this language. The courtiers at the Scottish court also spoke Scots, facilitating her early language acquisition.
Later in life, Mary applied herself to learning French and English. French, the language of the nobility, was essential for her diplomatic relations and social interactions. Almost every French noble spoke French, and it was the language of the royal courts, documents, and literature. Mary grew up in a French-speaking environment, which led to her fluency in this tongue.
English, on the other hand, became important for her political and diplomatic roles. Even though the English language was distant from her linguistic beginnings, she learned it through formal education and immersion in the culture. Her ability to speak both French and English was crucial for her interactions with the complex court politics of the time.
Linguistic Abilities in Adulthood
Records indicate that Mary possessed a remarkable linguistic talent. According to contemporaneous accounts, she was fluent in three languages: Scots, French, and Inglis (a Scottish form of English). This multilingual ability was not just a matter of convenience but was vital for her diplomatic and political survival.
When receiving foreign ambassadors, Mary could seamlessly communicate in multiple languages. This linguistic dexterity allowed her to navigate the intricacies of her diplomatic relations, from treaty negotiations to personal correspondence. Her ability to speak in multiple languages also made her a valuable asset in her own right as a figure of negotiation and diplomacy.
Supporting Evidence and Historical Context
Historical records and contemporary documents provide clear evidence of Mary’s multilingual capabilities. For instance, her correspondence with nobles and colleagues from both Scottish and French courts indicates her fluency. The Treaty of Edinburgh in 1560, for example, was drawn up in French, reflecting the importance of this language in formal diplomatic communications.
In addition, Mary’s early years in Scotland and her subsequent time in France were critical for her linguistic development. The environment she was exposed to in both places shaped her linguistic repertoire. Her immersion in a French-speaking environment during her time in the French court ensured her fluency in that language, while her Scottish upbringing allowed her to maintain her roots in her native Scots and Inglis.
Conclusion
Mary, Queen of Scots, was not just a Scottish monarch but a linguist and a diplomat who navigated a complex multilingual world. Her ability to speak Scots, French, and English contributed significantly to her political and personal life. Understanding her linguistic capabilities provides a deeper insight into her role in Scottish and European history, highlighting the importance of language in shaping historical narratives.