The French influence on the English vocabulary had its greatest expansion in the period of the Middle English (1150 – 1500). During this time over 10,000 French words were adapted into the English language and about 75 per cent of these are still in use. The reasons for that are, firstly, the bilingualism in England which had been prevailing since the Norman Conquest in 1066. Secondly, the English culture was regarded as inferior, i.e. it had more to gain from the language spoken by the upper classes.
Although, these extensive changes were important for the improvement of the English language, there were also disadvantages to it. The loss of native words, the different Middle English dialects, the need of a Standard English are only some examples for this. Does that mean the English we speak today would not have been the same, if there had been no French influence? Undoubtedly, every influence on something does change the circumstances of it, otherwise it would not be an influence.
The question now would be, if English really profited from the French language or if it was more a drawback to its further development. I want to deal with this matter of fact in my research paper. I will show the historical conditions from the Norman Conquest up to the 15th century in a diachronical way, as it is important to know about the situation in England at that time to understand the changes in the English language. As the French influence hardly affected the English grammar, I only consider the changes in the vocabulary. I also briefly refer to other language borrowings to show that the French influence was not the only one, but the most effective in the period of great change – the Middle English.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 11th - 15th Century
- The Decline of English
- The Period of Great Influence
- Language Influences
- Borrowings into the English Language
- French Loan-words in Middle English
- Middle English Dialects
- The Loss of Native Words
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper investigates the impact of French on the English vocabulary during the Middle English period (1150-1500). It examines the historical context of this influence, analyzing the reasons for its prevalence and its lasting effects on the English language. The paper also considers the counterpoint: the disadvantages of this extensive borrowing.
- The historical context of the Norman Conquest and its linguistic consequences.
- The extent and nature of French loanwords in Middle English vocabulary.
- The decline of English and the rise of French as a prestige language.
- The eventual resurgence of English and the factors contributing to its dominance.
- The long-term impact of French influence on the structure and development of the English language.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research paper by outlining the significant impact of French on the English vocabulary during the Middle English period (1150-1500). It highlights the adoption of over 10,000 French words, with a substantial portion remaining in use today. The chapter establishes the dual factors behind this linguistic shift: the bilingualism prevalent since the Norman Conquest and the perceived cultural superiority associated with French. The introduction also acknowledges potential disadvantages of this linguistic transformation, such as the loss of native English words and the emergence of diverse Middle English dialects. Finally, it articulates the central research question: did the French influence ultimately benefit or hinder the development of the English language?
11th - 15th Century: This section provides a historical overview of the period, focusing on the evolving linguistic landscape of England from the Norman Conquest onwards. It details the decline of English following the Norman Conquest in 1066, as French became the language of the ruling class, dominating the court, church, administration, and education. This chapter explains how the language shift wasn't merely a consequence of military dominance but also reflected a shift in social prestige. While acknowledging the cultural richness of Anglo-Saxon England, the chapter underscores the social and political power that propelled French to dominance, leading to the adoption of French by many, even those whose native tongue was English. The shift is discussed in relation to social mobility and the pursuit of opportunity within a French-dominated society.
The Period of Great Influence: This chapter delves into the two distinct stages of French influence on Middle English vocabulary. The first phase (1150-1250) witnessed a relatively smaller influx of French words, largely from domains associated with nobility, literature, and the church. However, the second phase (1250-1500) marked a dramatic increase in French borrowings, coinciding with a shift in the prestige of the Anglo-Norman dialect. As Central French gained prominence, Anglo-Norman was perceived as outdated, and the eventual decline of French in England accelerated. The loss of Normandy to the French Crown in 1204 further contributed to this linguistic shift, forcing Norman landowners in England to choose between assimilation or return to France. The development of national consciousness is also noted as a factor in the growing dominance of English.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this research paper?
This research paper investigates the impact of French on the English vocabulary during the Middle English period (1150-1500). It examines the historical context of this influence, analyzing the reasons for its prevalence, its lasting effects on the English language, and the potential disadvantages of this extensive borrowing.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical context of the Norman Conquest and its linguistic consequences; the extent and nature of French loanwords in Middle English; the decline of English and the rise of French as a prestige language; the eventual resurgence of English and contributing factors; and the long-term impact of French influence on English language structure and development.
What time period does the paper focus on?
The paper focuses on the Middle English period, specifically from the 11th to the 15th centuries (1150-1500).
What is the significance of the Norman Conquest in this context?
The Norman Conquest of 1066 is central, as it led to French becoming the language of the ruling class, influencing the court, church, administration, and education. This shift wasn't just military; it reflected a change in social prestige.
How did French influence the English language?
French significantly impacted the English vocabulary. The paper highlights the adoption of over 10,000 French words, many of which remain in use today. The influence occurred in two phases: an initial smaller influx (1150-1250) and a dramatic increase (1250-1500) coinciding with changes in the prestige of French dialects.
What are some of the disadvantages of the French influence discussed in the paper?
The paper acknowledges potential disadvantages, such as the loss of native English words and the emergence of diverse Middle English dialects.
What is the central research question?
The central research question is whether the French influence ultimately benefited or hindered the development of the English language.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of the introduction, chapters covering the 11th-15th centuries, the period of great French influence, and a conclusion. These summaries detail the historical context, the stages of French influence on vocabulary, the decline and resurgence of English, and the societal factors contributing to these linguistic shifts.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an Introduction, sections covering the 11th-15th centuries (with subsections on the decline of English and the period of great influence), Language Influences (with subsections on borrowings and French loan-words), Middle English Dialects, The Loss of Native Words, and a Conclusion.
What are the objectives of the research?
The objectives are to investigate the impact of French on English vocabulary during the Middle English period, analyzing the historical context, reasons for prevalence, lasting effects, and potential drawbacks of this extensive borrowing.
- Quote paper
- Magistra Artium Claudia Stehr (Author), 2000, The french influence on the english vocabulary in middle english, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/73834
