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Can We Help?: Conquest: the process of language change

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Can We Help?: Conquest: the process of language change

SUBJECTS:  English

YEARS:  7–8, 9–10


When the Normans conquered England in 1066, they brought a lot more than fancy clothes and castles.

They also brought the French language. Discover the impact that this momentous event continues to have today.


Things to think about

  1. 1.Do you know why the meat from cows is called beef, the meat from sheep is mutton or from pigs, pork? Cow, sheep and pig are old Anglo-Saxon words but beef, mutton and pork are from Old French words for these animals: boef, mouton and porc. Why do you think this is?
  2. 2.How many French words came to England with the Normans? What were two effects of the 'flooding' of English with French words? What does Kate suggest is the difference in nuance, or connotation, between French-origin and English-origin words? What does Kate believe our language would be like if the Norman conquest had not occurred?
  3. 3.How did this shift in language work to reinforce the class structure of French nobility and their English subjects? French-speaking Normans and Angevins dominated the English aristocracy for two hundred years. What might have happened if the English had risen up against their conquerors? Would French have had such a lasting impact on the English language?
  4. 4.Kate tells us that she believes the English language would sound more like German or Dutch were it not for the Norman conquest. Research why this might be the case. Can you find any words from other languages that are commonly used in English today?



Date of broadcast: 23 May 2008


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