What was Anglo-Norman, and where was it primarily spoken?

Anglo-Norman was a dialect of Old Norman that was used in England and, to a lesser extent, in other parts of Great Britain and Ireland during the Anglo-Norman period. It is also known as Anglo-Norman French or part of the French of England.

What alternative terms are used for Anglo-Norman, and why might 'Insular French' be preferred by some linguists?

Anglo-Norman is also referred to as Anglo-Norman French and is considered part of the broader 'French of England,' which includes Anglo-French. Some linguists suggest 'Insular French' as a more suitable term because 'Anglo-Norman' is often associated with the idea of a mixed language of English and Norman origins, a concept some scholars dispute.

What is the linguistic classification of the Anglo-Norman language?

Anglo-Norman belongs to the Indo-European language family, tracing its lineage through Italic, Latin, Romance, Italo-Western, Western Romance, Gallo-Romance, and Oïl languages. Specifically, it is classified as a dialect of Old Norman.

When did Anglo-Norman become extinct?

Anglo-Norman is considered to have become extinct by the 15th century AD.

What was the geographical region associated with the use of Anglo-Norman?

The primary region where Anglo-Norman was used was Great Britain and Ireland.

Who were the Anglo-Normans in the context of this language?

The Anglo-Normans were the ethnic group associated with the development and use of the Anglo-Norman language.

How did Anglo-Norman significantly influence the English language?

Anglo-Norman permanently influenced English vocabulary, leading to the loss of some original Germanic words and the coexistence of others with synonyms of Anglo-Norman French origin. It also left traces in official and legal terms, particularly in the reversed order of nouns and adjectives.

What was the impact of Anglo-Norman on English grammar?

Anglo-Norman had minimal lasting influence on English grammar, contrasting with its significant impact on vocabulary. However, its influence is still evident in specific legal and official phrases where the typical noun-adjective sequence is reversed.

Can you provide examples of English phrases showing the noun-adjective order influenced by Anglo-Norman?

Examples of English phrases demonstrating the reversed noun-adjective order due to Anglo-Norman influence include 'Blood Royal,' 'attorney general,' 'heir apparent,' 'court martial,' 'envoy extraordinary,' and 'body politic.'

What are the French mottos found on the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, and what do they mean?

The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom features two French mottos: 'Dieu et mon droit,' meaning 'God and my right,' for the British Monarch, and 'Honi soit qui mal y pense,' meaning 'Shamed be he who thinks evil of it,' for the Order of the Garter.

Who first used the motto 'Dieu et mon droit,' and when was it adopted as the royal motto of England?

'Dieu et mon droit' was first used by Richard I in 1198 and was later adopted as the royal motto of England during the reign of Henry VI.

What was the primary language for official records in medieval England, and how was Anglo-French used?

Latin was the primary language for legal and official records throughout most of the medieval period in England. However, Anglo-French was significantly used from the mid-13th to the early 15th century in areas like law reports, charters, official correspondence, and trade, serving as the language of the King, his court, and the upper class.

How did foreign words typically enter the English language during the medieval period, according to the text?

Foreign words from languages such as Latin, Greek, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish often entered the English language by first being transmitted through Anglo-Norman.

How did the characteristics of Anglo-Norman change over time, and what did it become more similar to?

Over time, Anglo-Norman adopted changes occurring in continental French and shed many of its original dialectal features. This process meant it remained part of the modern French dialect continuum, though often retaining distinctive spellings.

What did the remnants of insular French evolve into by the late 15th century, and what were its key features?

By the late 15th century, what remained of insular French had evolved into Law French. This was a technical language with a specific vocabulary, characterized by the incorporation of English words for everyday concepts and a decline in French grammatical rules, including gender confusion and the universal use of '-s' for plurals.

When was Law French officially removed from the courts of common law?

Law French was officially banished from the courts of common law in 1731.

Who is identified as a significant writer associated with the Anglo-Norman cultural sphere?

Marie de France is mentioned as an important writer within the Anglo-Norman cultural commonwealth.

How is the term 'Anglo-Norman' applied to the Channel Islands, and how does that language differ from medieval English Anglo-Norman?

The term 'Anglo-Norman' is sometimes applied to the languages and literature of the Channel Islands, derived from the islands' French name. However, the French variety spoken there is related to modern Norman and is distinct from the Anglo-Norman used in medieval England.

Why are many early Old French documents found in England, and what does this suggest about English linguistic history?

Many early Old French documents are found in England because, unlike in medieval France where Latin was dominant for records, England had a history of bilingualism in writing. This included the use of Latin, Middle English, and later Anglo-Norman, contributing to the preservation of early French texts.

What was the linguistic situation in England regarding Latin and English before the Norman Conquest?

Before the Norman Conquest, Latin was used by the Church, royal government, and local administration in parallel with Middle English in medieval England.

When did French begin to be used more widely for record-keeping in England, and what was the consequence for loanwords?

French began to be used for record-keeping in England due to its increasing prestige around the mid-13th century. From this period onwards, approximately 90% of the total 10,000 French loanwords in English were documented.

What is meant by 'virtual trilingualism' in medieval England?

The term 'virtual trilingualism' in medieval England refers to the coexistence and use of three languages: medieval Latin, Anglo-Norman, and Middle English, in both spoken and written forms.

What was the primary language of English kings from William the Conqueror until Henry IV?

French was the mother tongue of every English king from William the Conqueror (1066–1087) until Henry IV (1399–1413).

Who was the first English king to use English for his oath, and who was the first to write in English?

Henry IV was the first English king to take his oath in Middle English, and his son, Henry V, was the first to write in English.

What was the role of Latin in official written documents in England until the end of the 13th century?

Until the close of the 13th century, Latin served as the primary language for all official written documents in England.

When was the first official statute written in Anglo-Norman promulgated in England?

A statute promulgated by the king in 1275 marked the first official document written in Anglo-Norman.

How did Anglo-Norman become the language of administrative and judicial institutions in England?

As the king and lawyers commonly used French during the 11th century, it naturally became the language adopted by the developing administrative and judicial institutions.

What happened to the French language used in England after the late 15th century?

After the late 15th century, the French language used in England evolved into Law French, a specialized variety that had been in use since the 13th century.

What specific phrases in the UK Parliament are considered remnants of Anglo-Norman influence?

Certain Anglo-French set phrases used in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, such as those written on bills or spoken to indicate Royal Assent, are surviving remnants of Anglo-Norman influence.

What was the role of French as a second language for the general population in England?

Although most ordinary people spoke English, French became a second language due to its prestige, its use in education (even for teaching Latin), its necessity in courts for jurors, its adoption by the merchant class for business, and its use by some churches for communication with laypeople.

What does the evolution of the phrase 'del roy' to 'du roi' in Anglo-Norman documents signify?

The change from 'del roy' to 'du roi' in Anglo-Norman legal documents by about 1330 illustrates how the language evolved over time, reflecting changes occurring in mainland French dialects and moving closer to modern French.

How did the palatalization of velar consonants before front vowels differ between Norman and central Old French, and what was the impact on English?

The palatalization of velar consonants before front vowels in Norman produced different outcomes compared to central Old French dialects that evolved into French. For instance, English has 'fashion' from Norman 'féchoun' instead of Modern French 'façon.' Additionally, palatalization before /a/ that occurred in French did not happen in Norman dialects north of the Joret line, resulting in English retaining words with a velar plosive where French has a fricative.

Provide an example of English words retaining a velar plosive where French has a fricative due to differences in palatalization.

Examples include the English word 'castle,' derived from the Norman 'caste(-l),' which corresponds to the French 'château,' where a velar plosive in Norman/English contrasts with a fricative in French. Another example is 'garden' (from Norman 'gardin') compared to French 'jardin.'

How did the palatalization of velar consonants before /a/ affect the development of Norman and French, and what is the consequence for English?

The palatalization of velar consonants before the vowel /a/, which influenced the development of French, did not occur in Norman dialects north of the Joret line. Consequently, English has inherited words that retain a velar plosive sound where modern French has a fricative sound.

What are some examples of English words showing vowel differences compared to their French counterparts, and what do these differences suggest?

Vowel differences are seen in comparisons like Anglo-Norman 'profound' versus Parisian French 'profond,' 'soun' versus 'son,' and 'round' versus 'rond.' These Anglo-Norman words were originally pronounced with sounds closer to 'profoond,' 'soon,' and 'roond,' respectively, and later developed their modern English pronunciation. The word 'veil' retains an older /ei/ sound, unlike the French 'voile' which has /wa/. These differences suggest that English sometimes preserves earlier pronunciations than modern French.

How does the English pronunciation of 'ch' and 'j' differ from Modern French, and what does this imply about Anglo-Norman influence?

English has preserved older pronunciations for sounds like 'ch' and 'j' that have evolved differently in Modern French. For instance, 'ch' in English words like 'chamber' and 'chain' retains the older /tʃ/ sound, whereas Modern French uses /ʃ/. Similarly, 'j' in English often retains the /dʒ/ sound, while Modern French uses /ʒ/. This indicates that English, through Anglo-Norman, sometimes preserves earlier pronunciations than those found in Modern French.

What is the etymological origin of the English words 'catch' and 'chase,' and how do they relate to Anglo-Norman?

Both the English words 'catch' and 'chase' originate from the Low Latin word '*captiare.' 'Catch' represents a Norman development of the word, while 'chase' is the French equivalent that was imported with a distinct meaning.

What is a 'faux amis,' and how did Anglo-Norman contribute to their existence in Modern English and Modern French?

A 'faux amis' is a word that looks similar in two languages but has a different meaning. Distinctions in meaning between Anglo-Norman and continental French led to the creation of many such 'false friends' in Modern English and Modern French.

Did Norman French contain words of Germanic origin, and how did this impact its influence on English?

Yes, despite being a Romance language, Norman contained a significant amount of vocabulary from Old Norse. Consequently, some words introduced to England through Anglo-Norman were of Germanic origin.

Provide an example of a word where Anglo-Norman may have reinforced Scandinavian elements already present in English.

The word 'mug' is an example where Anglo-Norman may have reinforced existing Scandinavian elements in English. It was introduced to northern English dialects by Viking settlers, and the same word was established in Normandy by Norsemen, later brought to England after the Conquest, reinforcing its presence.

What is the literal meaning of 'mortgage' in Anglo-Norman, and what did 'curfew' originally signify?

In Anglo-Norman, the word 'mortgage' literally meant 'death-wage.' The word 'curfew,' derived from the French 'couvre-feu,' originally signified 'cover-fire,' referring to the evening practice of covering fires to prevent community fires in timber-built settlements.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'glamour' as mentioned in the text?

The word 'glamour' originates from the Anglo-Norman word 'grammeire,' which is also the root of the modern word 'grammar.' In medieval times, 'glamour' initially meant 'book learning' and later evolved to signify the most captivating form of book learning: 'magic' or a 'magic spell.'

How asymmetrical was the influence of Anglo-Norman, and what evidence supports this claim?

The influence of Anglo-Norman was highly asymmetrical, with very little influence from English transferring to the continental territories of the Anglo-Norman kings. While some administrative terms like 'forlenc' and 'acre' survived in parts of mainland Normandy, these are often considered linguistic traces of earlier settlements rather than direct influence from Anglo-Norman. Direct English influence on mainland Norman in later centuries, such as 'smogler' for 'to smuggle,' stemmed from later contact, not from the Anglo-Norman period itself.

What happened to Anglo-Saxon literature after the Norman Conquest?

Following the Norman Conquest of England, Anglo-Saxon literature ceased, and subsequent literary works in Britain were composed in either Latin or Anglo-Norman.

What role did the Plantagenet kings play in the development of Anglo-Norman literature?

The Plantagenet kings actively encouraged the development and production of Anglo-Norman literature.

According to one study, what proportion of English vocabulary is attributed to French, including Anglo-French?

According to one study cited, approximately 28% of English vocabulary originates from French, including Anglo-French. However, this percentage can vary based on the inclusion of rare and technical terms in the calculation.

In general, what subject areas did Norman and French borrowings into English cover, and what areas were typically addressed by English words?

Generally, Norman and French loanwords in English pertained to areas of culture, aristocratic life, politics, religion, and warfare, while English words were more commonly used to describe everyday experiences.

How did the spelling of English words change following the arrival of the Normans?

Upon their arrival in England, Norman copyists transcribed English as they heard it, leading to changes in spelling because they did not fully grasp the specific relationship between Anglo-Saxon pronunciation and its existing orthography.

What is an example of an agricultural term possibly derived from Norman French found in a remote area of England?

The Cumbrian term 'sturdy,' used to describe diseased sheep that walk in circles, is an example of a potential agricultural term derived from Norman French, stemming from 'étourdi,' meaning dizzy.

When did the Norman invasion of Ireland begin, and what was its immediate outcome?

The Norman invasion of Ireland commenced on May 1, 1169, at Bannow Bay, resulting in Anglo-Norman control over a significant portion of the island.

Can you provide examples of Norman words that were borrowed into the Irish language?

Norman words borrowed into Irish include household terms like 'garsún' (boy), 'cóta' (cloak), 'hata' (hat), and 'gairdín' (garden), as well as terms related to justice such as 'giúistís,' 'bardas' (corporation), and 'cúirt' (court).

Anglo-norman Language Wiki: Anglo-Norman: The Lingua Franca of Medieval England

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Origin

Etymological Roots

Anglo-Norman, a dialect of Old Norman, emerged in England following the Norman Conquest. While historically termed "Anglo-Norman," reflecting its association with Norman settlers, linguists suggest "Insular French" might be more precise, as the term "Anglo-Norman" sometimes implies a mixed language of English and Norman origin, a concept debated among scholars. Some sources indicate such a mixed language did exist, descending from the Norman French established in England.

Linguistic Context

It developed as a distinct dialect from continental Old French, influencing the linguistic landscape of Great Britain and Ireland. The term "Anglo-French" is also used, acknowledging the broader origins of settlers and the continued influence of Parisian French during the Plantagenet era.

Terminology Debate

The designation "Anglo-Norman" is closely tied to the Norman settlers. However, the language's evolution and its interaction with English have led some scholars to propose "Insular French" as a more accurate descriptor. This highlights the language's development within Britain, separate from its continental counterparts, and addresses the complexities of its relationship with Old English.

Usage and Development

Administrative Dominance

While Latin remained the primary language for official records and the Church, Anglo-Norman gained prominence in England from the mid-13th to early 15th centuries. It served as the language of legal reports, charters, official correspondence, and commerce, becoming the language of the royal court and the aristocracy.

Trilingual Society

Medieval England experienced a form of trilingualism, with Latin for formal records, Anglo-Norman for the elite and administration, and Middle English as the vernacular of the common populace. This linguistic environment facilitated the integration of French vocabulary into English.

Evolution to Law French

By the late 15th century, Anglo-Norman evolved into "Law French," a specialized legal lexicon. This variety gradually declined in grammatical purity, becoming heavily anglicized. Law French was officially abolished in the common law courts in 1731, though its influence persists in legal terminology.

Linguistic Characteristics

Phonological Divergence

As a dialect of `langue d'oïl`, Anglo-Norman developed distinct phonological features compared to continental French. Notable differences include the palatalization of velar consonants before certain vowels, leading to English words like "fashion" (from Norman `feshoun`) instead of French "façon," and the retention of velar plosives where French developed fricatives (e.g., English "cabbage" vs. French "chou").

Lexical Contributions

Anglo-Norman significantly enriched English vocabulary, often providing synonyms or supplanting native terms. Many words related to governance, culture, law, and warfare entered English via this route. The language also preserved earlier pronunciations and introduced unique etymologies, such as "mortgage" (from `mort gage`, meaning "dead pledge") and "curfew" (from `couvre-feu`, "cover fire").

Comparative Lexicon

The divergence between Anglo-Norman and continental French is evident in numerous word pairs, known as doublets. These often reflect different semantic nuances or historical developments. For instance, "warranty" (Anglo-Norman) and "guarantee" (French), or "catch" (Anglo-Norman) and "chase" (French), illustrate these linguistic distinctions.

English	< Norman	= French
cabbage	< caboche	= chou, caboche
castle	< caste(-l)	= château
cauldron	< caudron	= chaudron
causeway	< cauchie	= chaussée
catch	< cachi	= chasser
cattle	< *cate(-l)	= cheptel (Old French chetel)
fork	< fouorque	= fourche
garden	< gardin	= jardin
kennel	< kenil	= chenil (Vulgar Latin *canile)
wicket	< viquet	= guichet
plank	< planque	= planche, planque
pocket	< pouquette	= poche

Influence on English

Vocabulary Transformation

The impact of Anglo-Norman on English vocabulary is profound. An estimated 28% of English vocabulary derives from French, including Anglo-French borrowings. These words often pertained to areas of aristocratic life, governance, law, and warfare, while English terms typically described everyday experiences. This linguistic influx led to numerous synonyms and semantic shifts.

Legal and Political Lexicon

Many terms in modern English legal and political systems originate from Anglo-Norman. Phrases like "attorney general" and "court martial," featuring postpositive adjectives, are direct legacies. Royal mottos such as "Dieu et mon droit" and "Honi soit qui mal y pense" also underscore this historical connection.

Etymological Insights

Anglo-Norman serves as a crucial "missing link" in English etymology, bridging the gap between Old French and Middle English. It explains the transmission of words and fills gaps in the documented history of English. Words like "glamour," derived from Anglo-Norman "grammeire" (magic), showcase the fascinating etymological pathways.

Literature and Legacy

Literary Transition

The Norman Conquest marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon literary tradition. In its place, literature produced in Britain was primarily in Latin or Anglo-Norman, actively encouraged by the Plantagenet kings. This period saw the flourishing of Anglo-Norman literature.

Rise of English Literature

By the 14th century, authors like Geoffrey Chaucer began writing in English, significantly contributing to the development of English as a literary language. Chaucer, himself of Norman descent, is often credited as the father of modern English literature, bridging the gap between the elite Anglo-Norman tradition and the emerging vernacular.

Influence in Ireland

Norman Arrival

The Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169 introduced Norman speakers who administered the Angevin Empire's new territories. This led to the adoption of Norman words into the Irish language, particularly in areas of household terminology and legal concepts.

Linguistic Borrowings

Several Norman words were integrated into Irish, including terms for "boy" (`garsún` from `garçun`), "cloak" (`cóta` from `cote`), "hat" (`hata` from `hatte`), "garden" (`gairdín` from `gardin`), and legal terms like `giúistís` (justice) and `cúirt` (court). Place-names also reflect this influence, such as Buttevant (from the Barry family motto "Boutez en avant") and Castletownroche.

Surviving Texts

Limited Hiberno-Norman-French texts survive, most notably "The Song of Dermot and the Earl," a chanson de geste from the early 13th century, and the Statutes of Kilkenny from 1366, which document the linguistic and cultural interactions of the period.

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References

Ian Short, A Companion to the Anglo-Norman World, "Language and Literature", Boydell & Brewer Ltd, 2007. (p. 193)

Amended version of: Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Lusignan, Serge. La langue des rois au Moyen Ãge : Le franÃ§ais en France et en Angleterre. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 2004.

Rothwell, W. (1991), "The missing link in English etymology: Anglo-French", Medium Aevum, 60, 173â96.

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Anglo-Norman language Wikipedia page

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Anglo-Norman

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Origin ⚜️

📜 Etymological Roots

🌍 Linguistic Context

🗣️ Terminology Debate

Usage and Development 🏛️

✍️ Administrative Dominance

🗣️ Trilingual Society

⚖️ Evolution to Law French

Linguistic Characteristics 🔠

🗣️ Phonological Divergence

📚 Lexical Contributions

↔️ Comparative Lexicon

Influence on English 🔗

🗣️ Vocabulary Transformation

⚖️ Legal and Political Lexicon

💡 Etymological Insights

Literature and Legacy 📖

✍️ Literary Transition

🌟 Rise of English Literature

Influence in Ireland ☘️

🏰 Norman Arrival

🗣️ Linguistic Borrowings

📜 Surviving Texts

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origin

Etymological Roots

Linguistic Context

Terminology Debate

Usage and Development

Administrative Dominance

Trilingual Society

Evolution to Law French

Linguistic Characteristics

Phonological Divergence

Lexical Contributions

Comparative Lexicon

Influence on English

Vocabulary Transformation

Legal and Political Lexicon

Etymological Insights

Literature and Legacy

Literary Transition

Rise of English Literature

Influence in Ireland

Norman Arrival

Linguistic Borrowings

Surviving Texts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice