The shift from French to English in the English Parliament was a significant linguistic and political transition that occurred gradually between the late 14th and 15th centuries. For several centuries after the 1066 Norman Conquest, Norman French was the dominant language of the English court, law, and government, including parliamentary proceedings. French remained the language of official discourse and legal matters, while English was largely a spoken vernacular.
This began to change in the late 1300s, particularly with political events such as the deposition of Richard II by Henry IV in 1399, where English was used prominently for speeches and documents, marking a royal endorsement of English. By 1483, the House of Lords formally switched to English.
Despite this, Norman French ceremonial phrases like “Le Reyne le veult” (“The Queen wills it”) are still used today during royal assent on legislation, preserving a symbolic connection to the past. The gradual adoption of English in Parliament was influenced by growing nationalist sentiment, the Hundred Years War, and the linguistic needs of a court that was becoming more English-speaking.
This transition was not just linguistic but also cultural and political, signifying the rise of English national identity and the decline of French as the language of power in England.
From French to English: Parliamentary Shift
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norman French became the language of the English ruling class, law, and government. Parliament sessions and legal proceedings were conducted primarily in French. Over time, English continued to be the language spoken by the general population but was excluded from formal government use.
The shift began in the late 14th century as English gradually regained prestige. By the early 15th century, English was increasingly used in Parliament and official documents. Henry IV’s accession in 1399 was a key moment where English was publicly recognized in political proceedings.
By 1483, the House of Lords officially conducted business in English. Despite the widespread replacement of French by English, certain French phrases remain in ceremonial use, linking the modern institution to its historical roots.
FAQs on Parliamentary Language Shift
Q: Why was French originally used in English Parliament?
A: Following the Norman Conquest, French was the language of the nobility and ruling elite and thus became the language of government and law.
Q: When did English start replacing French in Parliament?
A: English began replacing French in the late 1300s, with a key moment in 1399 during Henry IV’s rise, and by 1483 English was formally used in the House of Lords.
Q: Are any French phrases still used in Parliament today?
A: Yes, ceremonial phrases such as “Le Reyne le veult” are still used during royal assent to legislation.
Q: What caused the shift from French to English?
A: Growing nationalism, the Hundred Years War, and the changing linguistic preferences of the court and Parliament drove the transition.
Q: How did this shift affect English language development?
A: The transition necessitated new vocabulary and usage in English to cover governance and legal affairs, accelerating the language’s standardization and expansion.
