English was once a language for commoners while the british elites spoke french

English was once a language for “commoners,” while the British elites spoke French.

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English, as we know it today, is a global language spoken by millions around the world. However, it might surprise you to learn that English was not always considered a prestigious language. In fact, there was a time when English was primarily used by the common people, while the British elites preferred to speak in French.

During the medieval period, after the Norman Conquest in 1066, English experienced a significant transformation. Prior to the conquest, Old English was the language spoken by the Anglo-Saxons in England. However, the Norman Conquest brought French-speaking nobles to power, and they soon imposed their language and culture on the English society.

As a result, French quickly became the language of the ruling class, the aristocracy, and the legal system. The English language, on the other hand, was viewed as inferior and associated with lower social status. The majority of the population, made up of peasants and commoners, continued to speak English in their daily lives.

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This linguistic division created a stark contrast between the French-speaking elite and the English-speaking masses. French began to dominate the realms of law, government, and official documents, while English remained largely confined to informal settings and literature.

Over time, however, the English language started to reassert itself. The cultural and linguistic gap between the French-speaking elite and the English-speaking majority gradually narrowed. As the centuries passed, English regained its prominence and popularity among all classes of society.

One significant event that contributed to the revival of English was the publication of Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” in the 14th century. Chaucer, known as the Father of English literature, wrote his iconic work in Middle English, which was closer to the language spoken by the common people than the French favored by the elites. This masterpiece showcased the beauty and versatility of the English language to a wider audience, elevating its status in society.

The transition from French to English as the language of power and prestige did not happen overnight. It was a gradual process that spanned several centuries. By the late Middle Ages, English had firmly established itself as the language of the English court and the ruling class. The language’s growth was also fueled by advancements in education and literature, as more works were written and taught in English.

Today, English is not only the primary language of communication in the United Kingdom but has also become a global lingua franca. Its widespread usage can be attributed to the influence of British colonialism and the dominance of the English-speaking world in various fields, including technology, business, and entertainment.

In conclusion, the history of the English language reveals its transformation from a language for “commoners” to a global language of prestige. The dominance of French among the British elites during the medieval period played a significant role in shaping this linguistic divide. However, through the passage of time and a variety of factors, including notable literary works and societal changes, English evolved, reestablished its status, and became the language we know and speak today.

Source: Harvard University, Chaucer: Language