The English Language: How the French Normans Changed its Trajectory through the Onset of the Battle of Hastings

Authors

Hannah A. G. Wiley, Cedarville UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Program of Study

History

Presentation Date

Spring 4-26-2018

Keywords

The Battle of Hastings, The English language, word etymologies, historical linguistics, William the Conqueror, Normans, Anglo-Saxons, English History, Medieval Europe, English society

Abstract

The English Language: How the French Normans Changed its Trajectory through the Onset of the Battle of Hastings

Abstract

This capstone discusses the convoluted connection between Denmark, England, and Normandy and identifies how this complicated shared history led to William the Conqueror’s infiltration of England, via Normandy. Subsequently, the Battle of Hastings promptly follows, ultimately ushering in a new era within Anglo-Saxon England. This pivotal event established the prevalence of the French language within the English language in a variety of capacities, especially pertaining to sub-sections within culture. These various sections within culture are related to the military, law, government, cuisine, fashion, and art. To highlight the occurrence of French lexicon strewn throughout the English language a variety of poems spanning from Medieval England to eighteenth century England were implemented as primary source quotations. The Oxford English Dictionary served as chief consultant to ascertain each word’s etymology within each poem included in this research paper.

Advisor

Dr. J. Murray Murdoch

Recommended Citation

Wiley, Hannah A. G., "The English Language: How the French Normans Changed its Trajectory through the Onset of the Battle of Hastings" (2018). History Capstone Research Papers. 7.
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/history_capstones/7

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