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The
period 1337-1454, known as the Hundred Years War between England
and France, provided a major impetus for people to speak English.
At the same time, the 'Black Death' killed many of the ruling
classes, contributing to the rise in status of the English working
man, who spoke neither French nor Latin. In schools, classes
previously taught in French were taking place in English, since
now teaching posts were being held by semi-educated teachers
and churchmen who knew no French.
By the middle of this period, English was being used at court
and, when Henry IV claimed the throne of England, his speeches
were in English. Even among the educated, it seems that French
had become an acquired rather than a natural language, and it
was no longer spoken in the home.
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Your questions answered by our Message Board users. Post a question too. |
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Do you know where the word 'avocado' came from? |
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Thanks for joining in the chat, why not read the transcript. |
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With series producers, Simon Elmes and Tony Phillips. |
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