The dates for the beginning and end of the Middle English period are rather controversial. But many linguists do agree that by 1100 certain changes to the English language were sufficiently well established to justify the use of the adjective middle to designate the language in what was actually a phase of transition from the English of the early Middle Ages – Old English – to that of the first printed books at the end of the 15th century. During this period many changes occurred that may be noted in nearly every aspect of the language: in its phonology, its semantics and in its lexicon, where many Old English words were replaced by borrowed items from the French language. But although the French influence did not cease with the end of the 15th century, due to its size of merely seven pages this term paper will concentrate on the Middle English period. Starting with a short introduction to the historical background of the French Influence on the English language, there will be examples of the borrowed vocabulary, explanations why they were borrowed and how they can be further distinguished into loan words from Norman and Central French. Moreover, there will be an analysis of how the process of borrowing led to the highly distinctive vocabulary of the English language regarding register and style. The structure of this term paper is chronological as it seemed to be the most appropriate regarding the historical nature of this paper’s topic.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The French Influence on the English Lexicon
- 2.1 The Historical Background
- 2.2 Loan Words
- 2.2.1 from Norman French
- 2.2.2 from Central French
- 3. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper analyzes the French influence on the English lexicon during the Middle English period. It aims to explore the historical background of this influence, provide examples of borrowed vocabulary, explain the reasons for borrowing, and distinguish between loanwords from Norman and Central French. The paper also examines how the borrowing process impacted the English language's vocabulary, particularly in terms of register and style.
- The historical background of the French influence on English vocabulary.
- The distinction between loanwords from Norman and Central French.
- The reasons for the borrowing of French words into English.
- The impact of French loanwords on the register and style of the English language.
- The chronological development of French loanwords in the English lexicon.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of French loanwords in the English lexicon during the Middle English period. It acknowledges the debate surrounding the precise dates of this period but emphasizes the significant linguistic changes occurring between Old English and the English of the early printed books. The chapter highlights the pervasive nature of these changes across phonology, semantics, and lexicon, with a particular focus on the replacement of Old English words by French borrowings. The introduction outlines the paper's structure, which adopts a chronological approach to follow the historical development of this linguistic phenomenon and its focus on the Middle English period due to page limitations.
2. The French Influence on the English Lexicon: This chapter delves into the extensive impact of French on the English vocabulary. Section 2.1, "The Historical Background," establishes the context by detailing the Norman Conquest of 1066 and its lasting consequences. It explains how French became the language of the ruling class for nearly 300 years, influencing administrative and social spheres, while English persisted amongst the peasantry. The section showcases examples illustrating the lexical shift, contrasting Old English words with their Middle English/Modern English French-derived equivalents. Section 2.2 further explores the loanwords themselves, analyzing their origins (Norman vs. Central French), their semantic fields (government, military, cuisine etc.), and the two distinct stages of borrowing (pre-1200 and post-1200), highlighting the reasons for this shift (political alliances, geographic location).
Keywords
Middle English, French loanwords, Norman French, Central French, Norman Conquest, linguistic borrowing, lexicon, vocabulary, register, style, historical linguistics, Old English, Modern English.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview covers the French influence on the English lexicon, specifically during the Middle English period. It examines the historical context, types of loanwords, reasons for borrowing, and the impact on English vocabulary, register, and style.
What does the preview include?
The preview provides a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It offers a structured overview of the entire academic paper's content.
What are the key objectives of the analyzed paper?
The paper aims to analyze the French influence on English vocabulary during the Middle English period, exploring its historical background, providing examples of borrowed words, explaining the reasons for borrowing, and distinguishing between loanwords from Norman and Central French. It also examines the impact on English language register and style.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical background of French influence on English vocabulary; the distinction between Norman and Central French loanwords; reasons for borrowing French words; the impact of French loanwords on English register and style; and the chronological development of French loanwords in the English lexicon.
What is covered in the introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the stage, acknowledging the debate surrounding the Middle English period's exact dates. It highlights significant linguistic changes between Old English and early printed English, focusing on the replacement of Old English words with French borrowings. It also outlines the paper's structure and chronological approach.
What does the chapter on "The French Influence on the English Lexicon" cover?
This chapter details the extensive impact of French on English vocabulary. It establishes the historical context through the Norman Conquest and its consequences, explaining how French became the language of the ruling class. It provides examples of lexical shifts, contrasting Old English words with their French-derived equivalents. It also analyzes loanwords' origins (Norman vs. Central French), semantic fields, and borrowing stages, highlighting reasons for the shifts.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include Middle English, French loanwords, Norman French, Central French, Norman Conquest, linguistic borrowing, lexicon, vocabulary, register, style, historical linguistics, Old English, and Modern English.
What is the time period focused on in this paper?
The paper primarily focuses on the Middle English period, acknowledging the challenges in defining its precise boundaries.
What types of French loanwords are discussed?
The paper distinguishes between loanwords from Norman French and Central French, analyzing their origins and impact on the English lexicon.
What is the overall approach of the paper?
The paper uses a chronological approach to trace the historical development of French influence on the English language, particularly focusing on the vocabulary.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2012, French Loan Words in the English Language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/265553
