* 11th Century: The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought Norman French-speaking rulers and aristocracy to England. This led to the first significant influx of French words, primarily related to government, law, military, and social hierarchy. Words like "crown", "duke", "jury", and "baron" entered the language.
* 12th-14th Centuries: French continued to be the language of the court and upper classes, leading to further integration of French words into English. Words related to art, literature, fashion, and food became common. Examples include "castle", "poem", "fashion", and "cuisine".
* 15th-16th Centuries: While the influence of French slightly diminished during this period, the Renaissance sparked a renewed interest in classical learning and culture, further enriching English with Latin and Greek words through French intermediaries.
* 17th-19th Centuries: French continued to influence English, particularly in areas like science, philosophy, and literature. Words like "machine", "revolution", and "literature" entered the English language.
It's important to note: The process was not simply about adopting individual words but about a gradual shift in the structure and vocabulary of the English language.
The legacy of French influence on English is still very apparent today. While French is not spoken by a majority in England, the language has left a lasting impact on the English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.