The origins of the French language can be traced back to the Romans’ introduction of Latin to the Celtic-speaking inhabitants of Gaul. The next key development occurred following the arrival of the Franks in the fifth century, whose Germanic language influenced the local spoken Latin (‘Vulgar’ or common Latin).
How did the French language start?
French evolved from Gallo-Romance, the Latin spoken in Gaul, and more specifically in Northern Gaul. … French was also influenced by native Celtic languages of Northern Roman Gaul like Gallia Belgica and by the (Germanic) Frankish language of the post-Roman Frankish invaders.
What is the root of French language?
The French language has its origins in Gaul, Latin, Frankish, “Roman” and regional languages. But not only that ! French has also been influenced by the languages of its neighboring countries such as : English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, etc.
How did French become an international language?
The Worldwide Language of Diplomacy
The Villers-Cotterêts Ordinance, passed in 1539, decreed that all French administrative documents must be in the French language. This ordinance made French an official language — a turning point for the country.
Did French exist before English?
Originally Answered: Is the English language older that the French language? No, English is based off French, Germanic languages, and Latin. English was formed following the 1066 Norman invasion by William the conqueror. English kings spoke French as their first language all the way until Henry IV.
What came first French or Spanish?
In modern language terms, Spanish was recognized first (around the 9th century). Modern French emerged from the Francien dialect around the 14th century.
Why is French so different from Latin?
French is the most divergent of the Romance languages because of its heavy Gallic and Frankish influences . French is basically derived from the Latin vernacular spoken by the Celtic Gauls who inhabited the region of today’s France before the arrival of the Germanic Franks who spoke a language similar to old Dutch.