1. Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400), England: Chaucer is often called the "father of English literature" because he wrote *The Canterbury Tales*, a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. He used Middle English, the language spoken by common people at the time, instead of the more prestigious Latin or French. This helped solidify the English language and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
2. Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), Italy: Dante's *Divine Comedy*, a long poem describing a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, is considered a masterpiece of Italian literature. He wrote it in the Tuscan dialect of Italian, which was then emerging as the standard form of the language. This helped pave the way for a unified Italian language and contributed significantly to its development.
3. Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), Spain: Cervantes is best known for *Don Quixote*, a satirical novel about a delusional knight-errant. He wrote in Castilian Spanish, the language spoken in the central and northern regions of Spain. This choice helped promote a literary tradition that transcended regional dialects and established Castilian as the standard language of Spain.
What is Vernacular?
Vernacular refers to the language or dialect spoken by the common people in a particular region or country. It's often contrasted with more formal or official languages like Latin or French, which were used in literature and scholarship during earlier periods.
Why is Writing in Vernacular Significant?
* Accessibility: Vernacular writing makes literature more accessible to a wider audience who may not be familiar with more formal languages.
* National Identity: Writing in the language of the common people can contribute to the development of a national identity and a sense of shared culture.
* Literary Innovation: Vernacular writing can lead to new literary forms and styles, as writers explore the possibilities of their native language.