Norman Conquest and its Influence on English Language

The Conquest:-

The most important event having greater effect on English Language is Norman Conquest. It was occurred in 1066. English Language would have not been able to achieve the respect it has in today’s era as it is called “Lingua Franca” and the language would have remained only a Germanic language if this event had not been occurred in the past.

In the year 1066, after the death of England’s King Edward, the Confessor who died childless, Harold, Son of Godwin (Godwin was one of nobles of that time and principal advisor of Edward), was elected as new King. The duke of Normandy and second cousin of late king, William challenged the throne of Harold. Edward had given hope to William of becoming king on William’s visit to England. This dispute of throne ended on a battle on a place called Hastings. This is the reason that this battle is also termed as “Battle of Hastings”.  

Harold came before William and set his forces on broad hill at Senlac which is near Hastings and started waiting William’s forces. At about 9 O’ clock, the battle was started. Harold and his forces with advantage of their top position provided tough time to William’s one and compelled them to move backward. William, who was a wise man, realized that if he continued to fight with this position, he would have lost the battle soon. He moved backward pretending that he was going back by accepting his defeat. This movement trapped Harold and he came downward with his force which became the cause of their defeat. When they came to the bottom of hill, William with his force attacked them with more power than before. This time they couldn't defend and they faced the defeat with Harold’s death. He received an arrow in his eye and died on the spot. After his death, William celebrated his victory and south-east of England was set ablaze. He was crowned as king of England and started ruling on it.     

Influences:-

Numerous French people were brought to England after the battle and were given important posts in government sectors by King. As they didn't have command on English, they continued to speak French and it became the language of upper class. On the other hand, English was being used by common people and this continued for a long-time. After a long period, upper class and common people started mingling with each other by intermarriages and social aspects. Due to this, at about 10,000 French words entered in English Language and 75% of them are still in use. As French was language of court, administration and culture, their words also came in English language such as jury, indict, royal, prose, melody etc.

Pronunciation of English was also changed. The fricative sounds in English [f], [s], [θ] (as in thin), and [∫] (shin), With the French influence, it distinguished their voiced counterparts [v], [z], [ð] (the), and [ʒ] (mirage).

Grammatically it was changed also. The old order of Adj+N was changed into French one, N+Adj.

It is truly said that because of the Norman Conquest, English Vocabulary is called as Cosmopolitan Vocabulary and this language is termed as International Language of the world. Otherwise, it would have remained as a Germanic Language.