Course Content
Private: The Norman Conquest, 1066

French Becomes the Language of the Rulers

After 1066, Norman French became the language of:

  • The royal court
  • Government
  • Law
  • The nobility

English remained the language of ordinary people.

Mixing Languages

Over time, English absorbed thousands of French words.

Examples include:

Anglo-Saxon Word

Norman French Influence

Kingly

Royal

Freedom

Liberty

Help

Aid

Begin

Commence

Eventually, English and French blended together.

This helped create the English language we speak today.

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