The dates for the beginning and end of the Middle English period are rather controversial. But many linguists do agree that by 1100 certain changes to the English language were sufficiently well established to justify the use of the adjective middle to designate the language in what was actually a phase of transition from the English of the early Middle Ages – Old English – to that of the first printed books at the end of the 15th century. During this period many changes occurred that may be noted in nearly every aspect of the language: in its phonology, its semantics and in its lexicon, where many Old English words were replaced by borrowed items from the French language. But although the French influence did not cease with the end of the 15th century, due to its size of merely seven pages this term paper will concentrate on the Middle English period. Starting with a short introduction to the historical background of the French Influence on the English language, there will be examples of the borrowed vocabulary, explanations why they were borrowed and how they can be further distinguished into loan words from Norman and Central French. Moreover, there will be an analysis of how the process of borrowing led to the highly distinctive vocabulary of the English language regarding register and style. The structure of this term paper is chronological as it seemed to be the most appropriate regarding the historical nature of this paper’s topic.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The French Influence on the English Lexicon
2.1 The Historical Background
2.2 Loan Words
2.2.1 from Norman French
2.2.2 from Central French
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the impact of the French language on the English lexicon during the Middle English period, analyzing historical reasons for linguistic borrowing and the distinction between Norman and Central French influences on English vocabulary.
- Historical context of the Norman Conquest and its linguistic consequences.
- Differentiation between Norman French and Central French loan words.
- Semantic and stylistic changes in the English lexicon due to borrowing.
- Analysis of vocabulary evolution through literary examples like Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1 Loan Words from Norman French
The Influence of French on English began approximately 100 years before the Norman Conquest, although only a few French loan words were imported to England at that time (Campbell, § 567). England and France had economical and religious relations at that time. But the French influence did not increase significantly after 1066 (Markus, 107). Some of the earliest loans from French are considered to be castle (1066), juggler, prison (1076) and service (Pyles & Algeo, 295).
The Norman Conquest made French the language of the official class in England. Therefore, it is not astonishing that many words that have to do with government and administration are of French origin. One example is the word government itself, along with ME amynistre. Others include attorney, chancellor, country, court and crime (Pyles & Algeo, 295). Furthermore, English titles of nobility except for king, queen, earl, lord and lady – namely prince, duke, marquess, viscount, baron and their feminine equivalents – date from the period when England was in the hands of a Norman French ruling class. In military usage army, captain, corporal, lieutenant, sergeant and soldier are all of French origin (Pyles & Algeo, 295). French words were borrowed not only for various animals, when served up as food at Norman tables, like beef, mutton, pork and veal for instance, but also to the cooking techniques by which the English cow, sheep, pig and calf were prepared for human consumption, for instance boil, broil, fry, roast and stew (Pyles & Algeo, 295f.).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical scope of the Middle English period and describes the paper's focus on the significant linguistic shift caused by French borrowing.
2. The French Influence on the English Lexicon: Explores the historical background of the language contact between French and English following the Norman Conquest.
2.1 The Historical Background: Details the political events leading to 1066 and the resulting bilingual nature of English society.
2.2 Loan Words: Provides an overview of how French vocabulary permeated the English language, replacing or supplementing existing Old English terms.
2.2.1 from Norman French: Discusses the early influx of vocabulary related to government, military, law, and food, originating from the Norman dialect.
2.2.2 from Central French: Examines later borrowings from the Parisian dialect, noting the role of prestige and the impact on stylistic registers in Middle English.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes how the process of borrowing transformed English into a more flexible language and notes the ongoing nature of linguistic evolution.
Keywords
Middle English, Norman Conquest, French Loan Words, Lexicon, Historical Linguistics, Norman French, Central French, Etymology, Borrowing, Semantics, Register, Style, Canterbury Tales, Vocabulary, Linguistic Change
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the linguistic impact of French on the English lexicon during the Middle English period, specifically examining how borrowing shaped the English vocabulary.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The main themes include the historical background of the Norman Conquest, the semantic categorization of loan words, and the differentiation between Norman and Central French influences.
What is the primary objective of the work?
The objective is to analyze why French words were borrowed, how they differ in origin (Norman vs. Central French), and how this process altered the English language's style and register.
Which scientific methodology does the author use?
The author uses a chronological historical analysis and a comparative linguistic approach, supported by established reference literature and text analysis, such as excerpts from Chaucer.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section covers the timeline of borrowing, the distinction between Norman and Central French, the impact on specific domains like law and cooking, and the development of synonym "triplets".
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Keywords include Middle English, Norman Conquest, Loan Words, Lexicon, Etymology, Linguistic Change, and Register.
Why did the source of borrowing shift from Norman to Central French?
The source shifted because the prestige of the English-based Norman dialect dwindled, and Central French from Paris became associated with literacy and the upper social classes in the 14th century.
How does the author define the "triplets" in English vocabulary?
Triplets are sets of three words—often of Old English, French, and Latin origin—that share the same basic meaning but differ in connotation or stylistic register, such as 'ask' (OE), 'question' (French), and 'interrogate' (Latin).
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2012, French Loan Words in the English Language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/265553
