The Norman Conquest and the Subjection of English, 1066–1200
Abstract
This chapter presents the dukedom of Normandy and the language of Norman French as transformative elements of culture and language faced by speakers of English after William’s conquest of the island in 1066. In understanding how English diverged from the other Germanic languages described in Chapter 2, it is important to know the extent of the use of French by the upper class, their attitude toward English and knowledge of it, the knowledge of French among the middle class, and the effect of French literature upon English literature.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Linguistics
Language Diversity
and Identity
Medieval Literature and History
Linguistics and language evolution
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 98–113
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter