chanson de roland: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2/Proficiency Level)Literary, Academic, Historical. Used almost exclusively in contexts discussing medieval literature, French cultural history, or epic poetry.
Quick answer
What does “chanson de roland” mean?
An Old French epic poem from the 11th century recounting the heroic deeds and death of Roland, one of Charlemagne's knights, at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An Old French epic poem from the 11th century recounting the heroic deeds and death of Roland, one of Charlemagne's knights, at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.
Refers specifically to the foundational literary work of French medieval literature; can metonymically refer to any foundational national epic or tale of heroic sacrifice. In broader cultural usage, it signifies an archetype of chivalric honor and tragic martyrdom.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as the term is a fixed cultural reference. British academic contexts might reference it more frequently in connection with broader European medieval studies, while American contexts may introduce it specifically in surveys of world literature or Western civilization courses.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes scholarly analysis, cultural heritage, and ancient heroism. It is not a term used in everyday conversation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse. Frequency is entirely dependent on the academic or literary field of discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “chanson de roland” in a Sentence
[The] Chanson de Roland [verb: recounts, tells, describes, depicts, celebrates]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chanson de roland” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Proper noun.
American English
- N/A - Proper noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Proper noun.
American English
- N/A - Proper noun.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Proper noun. Derivative 'Roland-esque' is possible but rare.
American English
- N/A - Proper noun. Derivative 'Roland-esque' is possible but rare.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. E.g., 'The *Chanson de Roland* is seminal to understanding the chanson de geste genre.'
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used.
Technical
Used in literary criticism, philology, and medieval history. E.g., 'The assonance in laisse 268 of the *Chanson de Roland*...'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chanson de roland”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chanson de roland”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chanson de roland”
- Referring to it as simply 'Chanson' (which just means 'song').
- Misspelling as 'Chanson de Rouland' or 'Chanson du Roland'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a chanson de roland' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is based on a historical event—the ambush of Charlemagne's rear guard in the Pyrenees in 778—but is heavily mythologized and transformed into a foundational national epic.
It belongs to the genre of 'chansons de geste' (songs of deeds), which were originally composed to be sung or recited aloud by jongleurs (minstrels).
His friend and fellow knight, Oliver. Their friendship and debates about duty and wisdom are central to the poem.
Roland's ivory hunting horn, which he refuses to blow to call for help until it is too late, a key element of his tragic pride.
An Old French epic poem from the 11th century recounting the heroic deeds and death of Roland, one of Charlemagne's knights, at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.
Chanson de roland is usually literary, academic, historical. used almost exclusively in contexts discussing medieval literature, french cultural history, or epic poetry. in register.
Chanson de roland: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɒ̃sɒ̃ də ˈrɒlɒ̃/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɑːnˌsoʊn də roʊˈlɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Roland for an Oliver (derived from the poem's characters, meaning an effective retort or tit-for-tat)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FRENCH SONG (chanson) about a man named ROLLING (Roland) down a hill in battle. It's the oldest major French 'song' (story) that's still rolling through history.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATIONAL TEXT IS A CORNERSTONE; HEROIC SACRIFICE IS A BEACON; NATIONAL IDENTITY IS ROOTED IN EPIC.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary subject of the *Chanson de Roland*?