The French Influence on Middle English

von: Nadja Litschko

Table of Contents

1. Introduction  3

2. Historical Background  3

2.1 The Norman Conquest  3
2.2 Consequences of the Norman Conquest  4

3. Influence on the Vocabulary  5

3.1 Borrowing and Loanwords  5
3.2 Assimilation of French Words  7
3.3 Synonyms and Loss of English Words  7
3.4 Decline of Derivational Processes  8

4. The French Influence on Middle English Spelling  9

4.1 Vowels and Diphthongs  10
4.2 Consonants  10

5. The French Influence on Middle English Phonology  11

5.1 Vowels  11
5.2 Consonants  12
5.3 Diphthongs  12

6. Conclusion  13

7. Appendix  14

8. Bibliography  17

1. Introduction

The English language has undergone tremendous changes over the years of its development from Old English to the Modern English as it is known today. During that time, especially during the Middle English period, several other lang uages exerted a significant influence and were therefore partly responsible for the changes brought to English over the years. These languages were Latin, French and Old Norse. This paper will focus on the influence of the French language on Middle English, brought on by the Norman Conquest through William the Conqueror. First there will be an explanation of the historical events, which preceded the developments in the England. Afterwards the focus of this paper will rest on the effect of the French language on the Middle English vocabulary, spelling and phonology. This will be explained on the example of an extract of Geoffrey Chaucer′s The Nun′s Priest Tale. During the course of this paper it will be proved that the French language was one of the main influences, which affected the English language during the Middle Ages.

2. Historical Background1

2.1 The Norman Conquest

The historical event, which led to the English language becoming interspersed with French elements occurred at the end of the Old English period and is widely known as the Norman Conquest in the year 1066. In that year, after the death of Edward, King of England, the need to find a suitable successor arose. The choice fell on Harold, son of Godwin, the Earl of West Saxon, who had been Edward’s principal advisor. However, his election did not find agreement from all sides. William, Duke of Normandy, had been assured by Edward that he would succeed him as King of England. Therefore, in September 1066, he decided to claim the throne by force and invaded England from its south coast.

Although unprepared, the English forces went to defend their country, which resulted in the Battle of Hastings, where the current regent, Harold, was killed. After the battle was won, William continued to plunder and burn the southeast of England, until the inhabitants of London gave in and capitulated. William was crowned King of England at Christmas in 1066.

2.2 Consequences of the Norman Conquest

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1 The explanations are largely based on Albert C. Baugh, A History of the English Language (London: Routledge, 1991)