A Brief History of the French Language

Summary

This video script traces the evolution of the French language from a regional dialect to a global language of prestige. It discusses how Latin and Gaulish merged under Roman rule, the influence of the Franks, and how Old French emerged. The script highlights the historical rivalry with Latin, the rise of French during the 12th-18th centuries, its peak as a diplomatic language, and its spread through colonization. It also addresses the modern influence of English on French and the ongoing efforts to preserve its cultural significance.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The French language has evolved significantly from a regional dialect to a global language of prestige.
• 🏰 Before the 12th century, French was not the dominant language in France and was considered less prestigious than Latin.
• 📚 The French language originated from the mixing of Gaulish and Latin, influenced by the Roman Empire.
• 💪 The Franks' invasion in the 5th century introduced Germanic influences, further differentiating the language from Latin.
• 🗽 French became distinct from Latin by the late 8th century, known as Old French, and started to emerge as a unique language.
• 🏛 The Parisian dialect, or Francien, became the standard French due to Paris's central role in power and culture.
• 🔥 The Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century helped Northern French to spread and dominate over Southern languages like Occitan.
• 📜 Latin was the language of academia and diplomacy until the 16th century when French started to replace it in formal contexts.
• 🌟 The Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts in 1539 established French as the official language of France.
• 🌍 By the 18th century, French became the language of diplomacy, science, and culture, spreading across Europe and the world.
• 🇫🇷 French colonialism expanded the language globally, especially in Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia.

Q & A

How did the French language originate?

The French language originated from the mixing of Gaulish and Latin during the Roman rule in Gaul. Latin became the language of power and urban centers, while Gaulish was pushed to the countryside. Over time, Latin absorbed many Gaulish words, leading to the emergence of a distinct French language.

What role did the Franks play in the development of the French language?

The Franks, who invaded Gaul in the 5th century, significantly influenced the development of the French language by introducing Germanic stress patterns and vocabulary. They also brought linguistic concepts and contributed words for colors and other terms, which further differentiated the language from Latin.

How did the French language become dominant in France over other regional languages?

The French language, known as Francien, became dominant because it originated from the Paris region, which had significant influence. After the Albigensian Crusade, the French crown took control of the south, and Francien started to be used as the language of official business across France.

Why did Latin lose its status as the main language of France to French?

Latin was seen as a fixed and pure language, but it could not adapt to the changing times as French could. French was more suited to the evolving society, and by the 16th century, a series of debates and the advocacy of writers led to French being accepted in formal contexts. The Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts in 1539 established French as the official language of France.

How did French become the universal language of the elites?

French became the universal language of the elites due to a combination of factors including its successful export of literature, the size and strength of France, the creation of the Académie française to standardize the language, and its recognition as the language of diplomacy by the 18th century.

What impact did the French Enlightenment have on the status of the French language?

The French Enlightenment, with its influential philosophers, writers, and artists, contributed to the international prestige of the French language. It helped solidify French as a language of culture, diplomacy, and education across Europe and the world.

How did colonization contribute to the spread of the French language?

The French Empire's colonization efforts across Africa, the Americas, and Asia led to French becoming the official language of government and education in its colonies. This served as a lingua franca among colonized people who did not necessarily speak the same language, leading to an explosion of French speakers in these regions.

What is the phenomenon of French adopting English terms called, and how has France responded to it?

The phenomenon of French adopting English terms is called 'franglais'. France has responded with opposition to English influence and a fierce protection of the French language, as seen in works like René Etiemble's 'Parlez-vous franglais?', a critique of anglicisms.

How has the French language maintained its prestige despite the rise of English?

The French language has maintained its prestige by not simply replacing French words with English ones but by adopting them in specific meanings or connotations. This adds nuance to the language. Additionally, French continues to be associated with prestige, luxury, and sophistication, which helps preserve its status.

What is the importance of learning the culture behind the French language?

Learning the culture behind the French language is crucial because the language's development, prestige, and global impact are deeply intertwined with French history and society. Understanding this cultural context enriches one's knowledge of the language and its nuances.