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[Thus, for some years the two languages Anglo- Saxon and Norman-
French were used side by side without mingling. However, since the two
sections of the society couldn’t live separately, and had some relations with
each other, they gradually came to learn or understand the other language.
The Englishman who associated with the governing class soon acquired a
command of French. Knowing French and speaking it was a mark of social
distinction .On the other hand, since English was the language of the greater
part of the population, it was likely that many of the Frenchmen would
acquire some familiarity with it. At the end of the twelfth century, a
knowledge of English was not uncommon among those who habitually used
French.
Since the Norman Conquest in 1066 the French language became more and
more important. English nobility and other important positions in the church,
military and other institutions were newly occupied by the French invaders.
Now the upper class in England was replaced by Normans and French became
their dominant language. However, the new ruling class formed only a minority
of the population and the language of the majortiy remained English. From
now on the French and English language existed side by side.
[20/10, 2:04 am] Azim: Introduction
The English language has undergone immense changes over the years of its
development from Old English to Modern English as it is known today. It has
been shaped by a number of other languages over the centuries. During the
Old English period the English language, which was based on the dialects of
three Germanic tribes (Angles, Jutes and Saxons)[1], was already influenced by
different invading armies like the Celts (Celtic), the Roman missionaries (Latin)
and the Viking raiders (Old-Norse). But especially during the Middle English
period (1150 – 1500) another language, namely French, exerted a significant
influence on the English language and were therefore responsible for great
changes brought to English over the years.
[20/10, 2:04 am] Azim: Latin was used as a second language by diplomats,
monks and scholars. It was the language of official documents, chronicals and
the church.