Did the old English language stop in 1066?

No, Old English did not stop in 1066. While the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 marked a significant turning point in the development of the English language, it didn't abruptly end Old English.

Here's why:

* Old English continued to be spoken: Old English remained the language of the common people for centuries after the Norman Conquest.

* Literary influence: Old English literature continued to be written and studied for a while.

* Evolution, not extinction: The Norman Conquest brought about the introduction of Norman French, which influenced and gradually blended with Old English, eventually leading to the development of Middle English.

Think of it as a gradual transition rather than a sudden stop. Old English didn't disappear overnight but evolved into the language we know today.