French Influence on English Language: Rohan still remembered his first English Honours class at college. As the professor discussed the history of the English language, but one question stayed in his mind:
Why does English have so many words that do not sound English at all?
Words like government, court, justice, beauty, and fashion were part of his daily vocabulary, yet their pronunciation and spelling felt different. That day, Rohan learned that the English language did not grow in isolation. It was shaped by history, conquest, and cultural contact. One of the strongest influences came from the French language, especially after the year 1066.
Table of Contents
French Influence on English Language
The Norman Conquest and Its Linguistic Impact
The year 1066 is a landmark in the history of England. In this year, the Norman Conquest took place, and England came under Norman (French) rule. The French-speaking Normans occupied positions of power and administration, while the common people continued to speak Old English.
For several centuries, French remained the language of:
- the court
- the administration
- law
- the nobility
As a result, the English language absorbed a vast number of French words. This borrowing deeply influenced and enriched English vocabulary.
French Influence on Government and Administration
Many words related to government and administration entered into English vocabulary from the French language. Interestingly, only a few political terms like king and queen are of English origin. Most others came from French.
Examples include:
- state
- sovereign
- council
- crown
- government
- realm
- power
- minister
This shows how political authority shaped the vocabulary of the ruling class.
French Influence on Feudalism and Nobility
Feudalism originated in France, so it is natural that many feudal terms are French in origin. These words reflect the social hierarchy of medieval England.
Examples include:
- prince
- peer
- court
- noble
- honour
- glory
Such words reveal the lifestyle and values of the Norman aristocracy.
French Influence on Military and Law
The Normans were a powerful military force. Consequently, many military terms in English are borrowed from French.
Examples include:
- battle
- war
- peace
- army
- navy
- officer
Similarly, the French influence is very strong in the field of law and justice. Many legal terms entered into English vocabulary through French usage.
Examples include:
- jury
- justice
- judge
- summon
- crime
French Influence on Religion and Moral Ideas
A large number of religious and ecclesiastical words were borrowed from French. These words were used in church practices and spiritual discussions.
Examples include:
- religion
- service
- saviour
- saint
- angel
- trinity
- miracle
Similarly, many words expressing moral ideas are French in origin, such as:
- duty
- vice
- charity
- mercy
- pity
- virtue
- discipline
- grace
- cruel
French Influence on Social and Family Life
Words describing social relationships often come from French, reflecting the manners of the ruling class.
Examples include:
- sir and madam
- master and mistress
- command and obey
- rich and poor
Many family relationship terms are also French such as:
- aunt
- uncle
- nephew
- niece
However, basic family words like father and mother remain English, showing the difference between common life and aristocratic influence.
French Influence on Food, Leisure, and Fashion
The French were known for refined food habits. As a result, many words related to food and cooking entered into English vocabulary from French.
Examples include:
- sauce
- boil
- fry
- roast
- pastry
- soup
An interesting linguistic fact is that animal names are English, but meat names are French such as:
- sheep → mutton
- ox → beef
This reflects the division between English-speaking farmers and French-speaking nobility.
Words related to leisure and enjoyment are also French in origin:
- joy
- pleasure
- comfort
- ease
Similarly, many terms related to dress, fashion, art, and architecture came from French.
Examples include:
- apparel
- garment
- fashion
- luxury
- art
- beauty
- colour
- design
- image
- pillar
- column
Even everyday expressions like alas, sure, cheer, and cry show French influence.
Conclusion
The French influence on English vocabulary was both extensive and lasting. It enriched the language by adding words related to administration, law, religion, society, art, and daily life. While large-scale borrowing slowed the independent growth of Old English, it also transformed English into a richer and more expressive language.
As Rohan later realized, the strength of English lies in its ability to absorb influences and adapt over time. The French contribution remains one of the most important chapters in the history of the English language.
