The French Influence on the English Language

The video explores the significant influence of French on the English language, beginning with William the Conqueror's invasion in 1066. Old French became the language of England's ruling class, leading to the adoption of many French words in English, especially in fields like arts, government, and justice. The video highlights how animal names differ in the field and on the plate, reflecting social hierarchies. Today, French vocabulary constitutes about 30% of English, underscoring its lasting impact.

What percentage of the English language is derived from French?

In what ways did the French influence the English language according to the text?