The Unnoticed French Influence in the English Lexicon
The English language is a fascinating mosaic of linguistic influences, with French being one of its most significant contributors. The Norman Conquest of 1066 marked the beginning of an extensive infusion of French vocabulary into English, fundamentally reshaping the language. Today, thousands of English words owe their origins to French, spanning across diverse fields such as law, cuisine, fashion, government, and the arts.
How French Words Entered the English Language
The Norman Conquest: A Linguistic Turning Point
When William the Conqueror and his Norman forces took control of England in 1066, they brought not only a new ruling class but also their language. Old French became the language of the English court, administration, and aristocracy, while Old English remained the tongue of the common people. Over centuries, these languages intertwined, leading to an extensive borrowing of French words into English.
The Hundred Years’ War and Continued Influence
Although England and France were often at war, the linguistic exchange persisted. Trade, diplomacy, and cultural interactions ensured that French vocabulary continued to seep into English, solidifying its presence even after Middle English transitioned into Early Modern English.
Common Words You Never Knew Were French
Everyday Words with French Roots
Many English speakers use French-derived words daily without realizing their origins. Some examples include:
- Money – Derived from Old French monnaie
- Dance – From Old French danser
- Letter – From Old French lettre
- Travel – From Old French travailler (meaning “to work” or “to toil”)
- City – From Old French cité
Legal and Governmental Terms
French left an especially strong imprint on legal and governmental vocabulary, as the ruling elite in medieval England primarily spoke French. Some examples include:
- Judge – From Old French juge
- Attorney – From Old French atorné
- Parliament – From Old French parlement, meaning “discussion”
- Justice – From Old French justice
A French-Inspired English Vocabulary: One Example in Depth
The Journey of “Restaurant”
The word restaurant is an excellent example of how a French word entered English and became an essential part of everyday vocabulary worldwide. The term originated from the French verb restaurer, meaning “to restore.” In the 18th century, Parisian chef Boulanger opened one of the first modern establishments serving prepared meals to the public, calling it a restaurant. The word was later adopted into English, eventually referring to any place where meals are served.
Why So Many French Words Survived in English
Prestige and Cultural Influence
French was considered the language of sophistication, governance, and refinement for centuries. Even after English reclaimed its position as the dominant language in England, many French words remained because they were associated with high status and culture.
The Dual Vocabulary Phenomenon
English often retained both a French-derived word and an Old English equivalent, each taking on different nuances. For example:
- Begin (Old English) vs. Commence (French)
- Help (Old English) vs. Assist (French)
- Buy (Old English) vs. Purchase (French)
The Lasting Legacy of French on English
Today, the French influence on English remains evident in various domains, including cuisine (menu, soup, chef), fashion (couture, elegant, chic), and art (portrait, genre, atelier). The profound linguistic exchange between these two languages has shaped English into the rich and diverse language it is today.
Understanding the French origins of many English words not only enhances vocabulary but also deepens one’s appreciation of linguistic history. For French translators, recognizing these shared linguistic roots offers a fascinating perspective on language evolution and its continued transformation.
