“The genius of the history of French language, descended from its single Latin stock, has triumphed most on the contrary direction – in simplicity, in unity, in clarity, and in restraint.” – Lytton Strachey
There is no denying that French stands tall as one of the most elegant and influential languages in the world. With its melodious tones, expressive vocabulary, and deep cultural roots, French has captivated people for centuries.
So, let’s take a journey through time to explore the fascinating origins and evolution of the French written and spoken language. We’ll trace its roots back to its Latin ancestry and follow French language history and development through the ages to see how it has become one of the most popular languages to learn today.
From Vulgar Latin To Old French
The story of the French language begins with the conquest of Gaul by the Roman Empire and its leader, Julius Caesar, in the 1st century BCE. The Romans tended to speak Latin and brought with them the language, which eventually merged with the existing Celtic language spoken in the regions. This blending gave birth to Vulgar Latin, the precursor to French and the other Romance languages.
Over time, in that region, Vulgar Latin evolved into Old French, which emerged as a distinct language in the 9th century CE. Old French was heavily influenced in Northern France and beyond by Germanic languages, as well as the Celtic and Norse languages of the invading tribes.
The Influence Of Medieval French
During the Middle Ages, French became the dominant language and lingua franca of the European elite. The Normans, who spoke a variant of Old French, conquered England in 1066, which led to a profound influence on the English language. Additionally, the troubadours, poets of the medieval courts, spread the beauty of this Romance language through their lyrical compositions. The influence of Old French extended far beyond France’s borders, permeating the fields of literature, law, and diplomacy throughout Europe.
The Renaissance And Standardization
The French language experienced a significant transformation during the Renaissance period. As classical Greek and Latin works were rediscovered and studied, a renewed interest in linguistic purity emerged. This led to efforts to standardize the French language and its regional dialects and establish rules for grammar and pronunciation.
King Francis I, a patron of the arts and learning, played a crucial role in promoting the use of Middle French, during what is known as the Middle French period as the language of the royal court and administration.
Parisian French has remained the model of the spoken French language among the other regional languages and French dialects because the capital has been regarded for centuries as the literary and political center of the nation.
The Age Of Enlightenment And Modern French
The 18th century, known as the Age of Enlightenment, brought profound changes to the French language. The influential philosophers and writers of the time, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, used French literary language and vocabulary as a vehicle to spread their revolutionary ideas through French literature.
The French Revolution in 1789 further cemented the role of French vocabulary as a symbol of liberty and equality. As the nation underwent political and social transformations, the French spoken language adapted and evolved to reflect the changing times.
French: A Global Language
With the colonization of Africa and parts of Asia, the French language spread to various corners of the world during the 19th and 20th centuries. French became a language of international diplomacy with the establishment of organizations like the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations, and the International Red Cross, which adopted French as an official language.
Although its popularity as a world language began to wain after World War II when the English-speaking USA cemented itself as a global superpower, French remains an influential language in fields including literature, art, cuisine, and fashion. Today, French speakers number approximately 300 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widely learned languages.
On the other hand, to this day, the French government is very committed to maintaining the “Frenchness” of the language. The French Academy is still in charge of policing French words, pronunciation, and spelling, especially when it comes to the approval of foreign language loan words and expressions to be incorporated.
The History Of French Language And Its Lasting Legacy
The history of the French language has come a long way, from its Latin origins to its current status as the sole official language of France and a global language of great cultural significance. Its journey through history reflects the evolution of French society and its impact on the world.
French continues to enchant and inspire with its rich linguistic nuances and expressive beauty. Whether it is exploring the literary works of Victor Hugo, indulging in haute cuisine, or simply appreciating the charming sound of the language, the French language holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the globe.
Some Useful History Words In English And French To Learn
Get A Better Grip On French With Ling
If you want to speak French like a native or even explore other languages, the Ling app is the language learning tool for you. Ling app has more than 60 languages available to subscribers. The best part about it is that the native speakers created all the lessons inside! They also made sure to add a variety of games and quizzes to make the whole process of getting to grips with a new language as fun as possible. So why not download the Ling app today from Google Play or the App Store and begin your journey into the wider world of international language?
