The History of English Podcast Episode 70: Mind Your Manors For Pete’s Sake
4 snips
Nov 15, 2015 Exploring the impact of the Norman Settlement on English language, the evolution of words and their meanings over time, the prohibition of slavery in England, the transformation of 'sake' and 'seek' in Old English, linguistic connections and societal changes during the Norman period, and the establishment of manner courts and the Norman jury system.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Written English Went Into Hiatus
- After the Norman Conquest writing in English declined and Latin and French dominated official records.
- This hiatus allowed many French words to enter English and reshape its vocabulary.
Norman Aristocracy Replaced Anglo-Saxon Lords
- The Normans introduced 'baron' and concentrated land under new French-speaking aristocrats.
- That replacement reshaped political and social vocabulary across England.
State Versus Estate Split From 'Status'
- 'Estate' and 'state' both derive from Latin status via Old French estat, but diverged in meaning.
- State became public/political, while estate shifted toward private property.