This paper deals with the influence of the French language on the English language. The English was replaced by the French nobility.
A bilingual situation was predominant: Whereas people from the upper class spoke the French language, people from lower classes spoke English. The French nobility led a separate life from ordinary people.
The English language was considered to be inferior to the French language, and only people like merchants who wanted to communicate with people from the lower classes had to know the English language.
Table of Contents
- The influence of the French language on the English language
- The Norman Conquest in 1066
- The English nobility was replaced by the French nobility
- A bilingual situation was predominant
- The French nobility led a separate life from ordinary people
- The English language was considered to be inferior to the French language
- By 1200 only 0,6% of all French loanwords were introduced into the English language
- At the end of the 12th century, bilingualism was quite a common phenomenon
- Between 1250 and 1400, people turn towards the English language
- In 1204 King John looses the Normandy
- In the 13th century, the nobels speak English as their mother language
- In 1272, Edward I is crowned to be the first English king
- At the end of the 13th century, all classes speak English
- In 1349 the English language is spoken at school
- In 1362 the English language becomes the language of law and Parliament
- From the 15th century on, the Latin language is being replaced by the English language in writing
- Between 1250 and 1400 53% of all French loanwords are introduced into the English language
- English people borrowed French words before 1250 and after 1250
- Before 1250 roughly 900 words in number came from Anglo-Norman origin
- After 1250 a more extended vocabulary was taken from everyday life
- Loanwords
- administrative and governmental words
- army
- art, learning, medicine
- ecclesiastical words
- fashion, meals, social life
- chair, dance, music
- law
- Loan formation
- The assimilation of loanwords
- Graphematics
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the profound influence of the French language on the English language, specifically in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066. The text examines the gradual shift from a bilingual society to a predominantly English-speaking one and analyzes the impact of French loanwords on English vocabulary over time.
- The historical context of the Norman Conquest and its impact on language use.
- The evolution of bilingualism in England, from the early dominance of French to the eventual reemergence of English.
- The introduction and assimilation of French loanwords into the English vocabulary.
- The influence of French on English grammar, syntax, and semantics.
- The cultural and societal factors that contributed to the enduring legacy of French on the English language.
Chapter Summaries
The text begins by outlining the immediate consequences of the Norman Conquest in 1066, highlighting the societal divide between French-speaking nobility and English-speaking commoners. The early stages of bilingualism are characterized by the dominance of French, with English relegated to a lower status. Despite the initially limited impact of French loanwords, the text highlights the increasing influence of French on English vocabulary and grammar over time. This shift is attributed to a combination of factors including the intermarriage of French and English nobles, the adoption of French as the language of law and administration, and the growing use of French in literature and education.
The text then delves into the gradual shift towards English as the primary language in the 13th century. This shift is attributed to the loss of Normandy by King John, the growing use of English in government and society, and the emergence of English as the primary language in education. The text provides detailed examples of how French loanwords were introduced and assimilated into English, illustrating the diverse range of vocabulary borrowed from French.
The final section of the text examines the process of loan formation, including loan translation, loan rendition, loan creation, and semantic loan. The text also explores the assimilation of French loanwords into English grammar and phonetics, highlighting the ongoing interplay between the two languages. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms by which French loanwords have enriched and transformed the English language.
Keywords
The main focus of this text is the linguistic impact of the Norman Conquest, specifically the influence of French on the English language. Key terms include French loanwords, bilingualism, assimilation, loan formation, Norman Conquest, and Anglo-Norman. The text also explores various areas of vocabulary borrowing, including administrative and governmental language, military terminology, art and learning, religious vocabulary, social life, and legal concepts.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Angelika Felser (Autor:in), 1998, The influence of the French language on the English language, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/377994
