Middle English ( French and English )

Henry II

This   post  is  based  on the reading   material from The Cambridge Encyclopedia Of  The English Language. In this post I am going to talk about French and English languages which were spoken  in 1066s in Britain. In that period Norman French invasion effected  the usage of French language in Britain. All baronial stuff,   bishops and aristocrats used French language, English was used only for contacting local communities or lower class people. Though many kings tried to learn English not all of them achieved that. For instance, William I ( 1066-87 ) tried to learn it at the age of 43 but then gave it up. Henry II did not speak English but understood it.  Many Anglo –Norman kings used English for swearing. King Henry IV made his will in English. In other cases some Kings even had English wives.  All  ceremonies , the Church , law, administration or literature used French language .It is essential to mention that  soon King John of England and King Philip of France had a conflict and after that great changes took place. These two countries had Hundred Years War after that. First time in 1362, English language was used at the opening of  Parliament.  In the 14 th century several songs, prayers,  romances were written in Middle English .It was special time for Modern English literature.  In 1425 English was spread as orally as well as in written form. The most essential thing is  that after Norman invasion many Latin words came into English as well.  I think that this information is very informative and interesting especially for English Teachers or English Learners. To my mind such information from  history   can enrich our knowledge about specific country and this point about England. I think that period  was very difficult for England and for its people, by this I mean that they were not able to use their language in their own country and had to follow the orders of French Kings. In support of this writing I will say that many countries in the past  were in such situations . It was very challenging to protect your own language  when your country is invaded by others. 

Henry IV

                                                                        

William I