When did the English borrow French language?

The English language did not borrow French language in a single, distinct event. It was a gradual process that occurred over centuries, starting with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Here's a breakdown of how the process unfolded:

* 1066 - 1200: After the Norman Conquest, the French-speaking Normans became the ruling class in England. French became the language of the court, law, and government, while Old English, the language of the common people, continued to exist. This period saw a massive influx of French vocabulary into English, particularly in areas related to government, law, religion, and warfare.

* 1200 - 1400: During this period, the two languages began to blend, with French words being integrated into English grammar and pronunciation. Middle English emerged, a blend of Old English and Norman French.

* 1400 - 1600: As the English monarchy transitioned from French-speaking to English-speaking, the use of French in daily life declined. English gained further prominence, absorbing more French words and becoming the dominant language of England.

So, while the Norman Conquest marked a significant turning point, the borrowing of French vocabulary continued for centuries, culminating in the English language we know today.