How many French words are there in English? There are plenty of Spanish words in English, and a good handful of Japanese words in English, too. Since then, French phrases and words – funny quirks and all – continued to make their way into the English language.Īnd French isn’t the only language that has made its mark on the English language. Under Norman rule, Anglo-Norman French began to influence the language of administration, law and culture in England, and hence making its mark on the English language. The Norman Conquest of 1066 was a key event that led to French words being used in England.įollowing the conquest, England was ruled by the Normans who spoke a northern form of Old French called Anglo-Norman French.
The origin of the English language is a topic linguists love to debate.Īlthough English is a Germanic language, it shares a lot of vocabulary with French – a Romance language. We’ve put together some responses to some of the most common questions about the French presence in the English language for you, plus 99 examples of how English words didn’t fall too far from the French tree.Įverything you’ve ever wanted, right? Why are there French words in the English language? Some of these French phrases in English (otherwise known as cognates!) are borrowed directly from the French language, while others have evolved from French origins. You’re probably aware that we regularly use plenty of French words in English.īut did you know that English is so close to the French language, that around 30% of English words come from the language of love?
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