Latin was the universal language of medieval civilization.
Used in the Church and schools, Latin enabled learned people to communicate, anywhere in Europe.
However, in the 12th century, much new literature was being written in the vernacular—the language of every day speech in a particular region, such as Spanish, French, English, or German.
A new market for vernacular literature appeared in the 12th century when educated lay people (people who were not clergy) at courts and in the cities took an interest in new sources of entertainment.
Perhaps the most popular vernacular literature of the 12th century was troubadour poetry, which was chiefly the product of nobles and knights.
This poetry told of the love of a knight for a lady, who inspires him to become a braver knight and a better poet.