Here's a breakdown:
* Old Norse: The original language of the Vikings who settled in Normandy was Old Norse. This was their native tongue, spoken by the ancestors of the Normans.
* Old French: Once the Vikings settled in Normandy, they gradually adopted the local Gallo-Romance language, which eventually evolved into Old French. This became their primary language and the basis for later Norman French.
* Latin: As part of the Frankish kingdom, the Normans were exposed to Latin, the language of the Church and administration. Latin played a significant role in their literacy and official communication.
* Anglo-Norman: After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, a new variety of French developed, called Anglo-Norman, which was the language of the Norman elite in England. This was a distinct dialect of Old French, influenced by English and other factors.
* English: Over time, the Normans in England gradually adopted English as their primary language, although Anglo-Norman remained influential in law, literature, and government for centuries.
Therefore, the Normans spoke a complex mixture of languages:
* Old Norse: Their original language, eventually replaced by Old French.
* Old French: Their primary language, evolving into Norman French and later Anglo-Norman.
* Latin: The language of the Church and administration.
* Anglo-Norman: A distinct French dialect, used primarily in England.
* English: Adopted as their main language in England, replacing Anglo-Norman.
This linguistic evolution reflects the cultural and political changes the Normans experienced throughout their history.