How did the Passé Simple develop in French language if it is never spoken?

You're right to point out that the Passé Simple is rarely used in spoken French. It's primarily a literary tense, used in formal writing and sometimes in storytelling or when trying to create a dramatic effect in speech.

The Development of the Passé Simple

The Passé Simple evolved from the Latin perfect tense, which was used to express completed actions in the past. Over time, French developed its own system of past tenses, with the Passé Simple becoming the primary past tense used in writing.

Why It's Not Commonly Spoken

* Complexity: The Passé Simple has a complex conjugation system that is difficult to learn and even more difficult to use fluently.

* Alternatives: In spoken French, the Passé Composé (which translates to "compound past") is the most common way to describe completed actions in the past. It's simpler to conjugate and sounds more natural in everyday speech.

* Evolution of Language: As spoken French evolved, the Passé Simple was gradually replaced by the Passé Composé for everyday use.

Uses of the Passé Simple

Despite its limited spoken use, the Passé Simple is still relevant for:

* Literary Writing: Novels, plays, poetry, and other forms of literature often use the Passé Simple to convey a sense of formality and literary style.

* Formal Writing: Reports, essays, and academic texts may also employ the Passé Simple to create a more formal tone.

* Storytelling and Drama: Sometimes, the Passé Simple is used in spoken storytelling or dramatic situations to create a sense of distance or to emphasize the past.

In Conclusion:

The Passé Simple's continued existence is a testament to the enduring legacy of written French. While it's not commonly used in spoken French, it still plays an important role in literary and formal writing, preserving the rich history of the language.