Shakespeare’s Lingual Prowess: A Forgotten Fluency?
William Shakespeare, often lauded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, had an impressive command of multiple languages, including Latin, Italian, and French. While most English speakers today might struggle with French, evidence suggests that Shakespeare had a surprisingly strong grasp of it. His plays are peppered with French phrases, dialogues, and references that indicate a deeper familiarity than mere affectation. But how fluent was he really? And could it be that he spoke French better than many modern Britons?
A France-Influenced England: The Context of Shakespeare’s Time
French: The Language of Nobility and Diplomacy
During Shakespeare’s lifetime (1564–1616), French played a significant role in English society. The Norman Conquest of 1066 had established French as the language of the aristocracy, law, and governance. Although Middle English gradually emerged as the dominant vernacular, French remained a prestigious language, especially among the elite.
By the late 16th century, French was still an essential skill for educated individuals, particularly those involved in politics, trade, or the royal court. English nobility often spoke and wrote in French, and many English schools taught it alongside Latin. In this cultural setting, it is no surprise that Shakespeare, a man deeply engaged with the world of aristocrats and intellectuals, was familiar with French.
Educational Foundations: Latin, French, and Beyond
Shakespeare’s education at the King’s New School in Stratford-upon-Avon would have given him a solid foundation in Latin, but French was also widely taught. Many English schools used French texts, and Shakespeare may have encountered French-language plays, poetry, and legal documents. His exposure to the language likely extended beyond the classroom, as London was a hub of international trade where French merchants and diplomats were common.
French in Shakespeare’s Plays: A Linguistic Showcase
Henry V: A Clear Demonstration of French Fluency
Perhaps the most compelling evidence of Shakespeare’s proficiency in French comes from Henry V. The play, which dramatizes the English king’s military campaign in France, contains an entire scene written in French. In Act 3, Scene 4, Princess Katharine of France practices English with her maid, Alice, switching between the two languages.
This scene is not merely a few scattered French words but a sustained and coherent conversation in fluent, natural French. Here is an excerpt:
Katharine: Dites-moi l’Anglois pour le pied.
Alice: Le pied? Il est appelé foot.
Katharine: Le foot! Et le robe?
Alice: La robe est appelée gown.
The accuracy of the French dialogue suggests that Shakespeare either had a strong command of the language himself or collaborated closely with native speakers.
Other French Elements in His Works
- Love’s Labour’s Lost: This play features numerous French phrases and references to French courtly traditions.
- The Merry Wives of Windsor: The character Dr. Caius, a French physician, speaks in heavily accented English, demonstrating Shakespeare’s understanding of phonetic differences.
- All’s Well That Ends Well: Much of the play is set in France, and Shakespeare’s depiction of French customs and speech patterns indicates familiarity.
Why Shakespeare Might Have Spoken Better French Than Many Modern Brits
Changing Language Education
In Shakespeare’s time, French was a vital skill for scholars, diplomats, and playwrights. Today, while French is still taught in schools, the level of fluency among English speakers has declined significantly. Many British students learn only basic French, and few achieve the level of fluency required for literary composition.
Immersive Exposure vs. Classroom Learning
Unlike modern learners who often study French in isolated classroom settings, Shakespeare likely encountered French in a more immersive environment. The frequent interactions between England and France in his era—through trade, politics, and the presence of French-speaking nobility in England—provided a natural setting for language acquisition.
A Multilingual Mindset
Shakespeare’s linguistic abilities extended beyond French. His familiarity with Latin, Italian, and possibly Spanish suggests he had an exceptional aptitude for languages. The multilingual nature of Elizabethan England meant that educated individuals were more likely to be comfortable switching between languages.
Conclusion: A Linguistic Legacy
Shakespeare’s use of French in his plays goes beyond simple borrowing—it reflects a deeper understanding of the language. His ability to craft entire dialogues in French, depict French-speaking characters with accuracy, and engage with French culture in his works suggests a level of proficiency that surpasses that of many modern English speakers.
While we may never know exactly how fluent Shakespeare was, the evidence within his plays indicates that he could navigate French with remarkable skill. In contrast, many modern Britons struggle with even basic French phrases, despite years of schooling. In this light, it is entirely possible that Shakespeare spoke French better than most of today’s English speakers.
