A Case of Medieval Plurilingualism in the 'Roman de Renart'. The Two Versions of Branche V in ms. H (Paris, BNF, Arsenal 3334)

This article examines the phenomenon of plurilingualism in two versions of Branche V of the Roman de Renart, transmitted by MS. H. Whereas the shorter version seems to mainly be in dialogue with hagiography and chansons de geste, the longer version’s indebtedness to the genres of courtly romance and penitential preaching would seem to suggest its belonging to a later period in the development of the Old French literary tradition. More broadly, the analysis this contribution provides shows the complex ways in which plurilingualism operated in Old French texts belonging to the second half of the twelfth century.