Question

Name the two languages spoken side by side during the Middle English period.

• A. English and Norman- French
• B. English and Celtic
• C. English and Latin
• D. English and Scandinavian

Answer 1

Answer:

A. English and Norman- French

• After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norman-French became the language of:

  • Royal court

  • Administration

  • Law

  • The upper classes

• English was spoken by the common people.

• This situation of bilingualism lasted for about 300 years during the Middle English period.

• Eventually, English re-emerged as the dominant language but was heavily influenced by French vocabulary.