Here's how it happened:
1. Viking Invasions: In the 9th and 10th centuries, Vikings (Norsemen) invaded and settled in the region of Normandy in northern France.
2. Assimilation: Over time, these Vikings, known as Normans, adopted the language and culture of their Frankish neighbors, including the French language.
3. Conquest of England: In 1066, William the Conqueror, a Norman Duke, invaded and conquered England at the Battle of Hastings.
4. Norman Influence: The Normans brought their French language and culture to England, which had a significant impact on the English language and society.
So, the Normans didn't learn French; they brought it with them when they conquered England. This is why English has so many words of French origin.