English language shortly before and during the 14th century

Penetration of the Norman (French) words into English a slow and gradual process only 8 French words were taken over by 1150 (during the first century after the Conquest) the following 50 years, i.e. by 1200 took over 26 loans by 1250 (another 50 years) took 103 loans in all

WHEN??? The largest number of French loans between 1351 and 1400 WHY within this 50years??? It was when 2 nationalities living in 1 country had become united into the ONE ETHNICAL WHOLE.

WHEN DID THIS CHANGE COME? after 1200 John The Lackland connection with the Central French cut off How did this influence the language?

Consequences: English king and Norman UPPER classes more bound to the English soil realized common interests with the LOWER classes THIS - later basis for the consciousness of the existence of the English nationality growimg stronger especially during the Hundred Years´ War

What does this history have to do with the language? the political separation of the Norman element - not only cultural, also LINGUISTIC French language used in England started to differ from Central French the English one lost its prestige

What happened next? the descendants of the old Normans concentrate on learning the continetal variety of French LINGUSITIC CONSEQUENCE: word pairs appeared: Norman Central French catch chase ward guard

Another important factor: BLACK DEATH Why so important as far as language is concerned? it increased the IMPORTANCE OF THE LOWER CLASSES opposed to the higher, French population.

Also interesting to point out : 1399 after more than 3 CENTURIES the English throne ascended by HENRY IV. a King whose mother tongue was English

Moreover... English won its place in administration and legal practice in 1356 officially decided the law suits in London and Middlesex areas in English !!! / althoug a special jargon, so called "Law French" survived till the 17th century/ 1362 the Chancellor opened the sitting of the Parliament for the first time in English. How was this possible???

Very important to know: THE FINAL VICTORY OF ENGLISH OVER FRENCH was greatly supported by the increasing social importance of the English BOURGEOIS CLASS whose mother tongue was English they had successfully fought for using English in the andministrative and legal practice.

Thank you for your attention Aneta and Lucia Let us now move to the 15th century...