1. The Rise of French Influence:
* Norman French became the language of the ruling class: The Normans, with their French language, took control of England's government, legal system, and court. French became the language of power and prestige.
* French words entered the English lexicon: Words related to government, law, military, fashion, food, and other aspects of elite life were adopted from French. Examples include "parliament," "justice," "army," "fashion," "beef," and "pork."
2. Linguistic Divergence:
* The language split into distinct social varieties: English, primarily spoken by the lower classes, became known as "Anglo-Saxon" or "Old English," while French was spoken by the upper classes.
* This social division affected language use: The English language used by the common people continued to evolve, while the elite developed a more refined French-influenced language.
3. The Emergence of Middle English:
* The two languages gradually merged: As the Normans and English integrated, their languages began to influence each other. This resulted in the gradual development of Middle English, a blend of Old English and Norman French.
* Middle English incorporated French vocabulary: The vocabulary became richer and more diverse, with many French words becoming part of the everyday language.
* Grammatical changes: The English language simplified its grammar, borrowing some features from French, such as the loss of grammatical gender.
4. The Legacy of the Conquest:
* The modern English language we know today is a product of this blend: The influence of French can be seen in the vast vocabulary, the structure of sentences, and the grammatical system.
* The Norman Conquest led to a dynamic and evolving language: The language's adaptability and openness to borrowing from other sources became a defining characteristic.
Beyond vocabulary and grammar, the Norman Conquest also brought about:
* The standardization of spelling and pronunciation: As French-speaking scribes began to write English, it led to a gradual standardization of spelling and pronunciation.
* The rise of literature in English: While initially French was the language of literature, the use of English gradually gained ground, giving rise to great works like Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales."
In conclusion, the Norman Conquest of 1066 profoundly altered the course of the English language. It introduced French vocabulary, influenced grammar, and created a rich and diverse linguistic landscape. This historical event continues to shape the language we speak today, leaving its mark on vocabulary, grammar, and the very essence of English itself.