The Norman Language

What language did the Normans speak?

The Normans spoke a form of French, known as Norman-French, which was an additional barrier between them and the English.

Could the Normans speak the English language?

With the Norman conquest, the language of the Anglo-Saxons became less important.

• ❖ English was only spoken by the common people, and only survived as a written language in a few places.
• ❖ William tried to learn English, but gave it up because he didn't have the time.
• ❖ Archbishop Lanfranc couldn't speak English.
• ❖ As time went on, more Normans learnt to speak both languages, and some Anglo-Saxons - such as Hereward the Wake - could speak French.

What was the official language in Norman England?

Under the Normans, English declined as the spoken language in certain areas, and it almost completely disappeared as a written language. Norman-French and Latin became the official languages.

• ❖ Norman French was the language of the king's court, and was the language used by the upper classes. It was also used for teaching.
• ❖ Over time, Norman-French developed into Anglo-Norman, as some English words were adopted.
• ❖ Under Norman rule, English disappeared from government and the Church. Latin became the language of government and the Church.
• ❖ Latin was also the language used by merchants who travelled overseas, as it was the language that all educated people in Europe spoke.