What was the Anglo-Norman language?

Anglo-Norman was a medieval dialect of Old Norman used in England and other parts of the British Isles following the Norman Conquest. Spoken primarily by the medieval ruling class, it evolved from continental Old Norman over time into a distinct linguistic variety. It was also utilized to produce a unique body of literature during the period when Normandy and England were united.

What we know

• Anglo-Norman is a medieval langue d'oïl variety and a historical dead language that was used in England and elsewhere in the British Isles. [1]
• The language is also known as Anglo-Norman French, Insular French, and forms part of the French of England. [2]
• As the victorious Normans formed a ruling class in England after 1066, their language evolved from continental Old Norman into the distinct Anglo-Norman language. [3]
• Anglo-Norman literature developed during the period of 1066 to 1204 while the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of England were united. [4]

Where to go next

• what caused itWho were the Anglo-Normans?
• what followedWhat works exist in Anglo-Norman literature?
• the bigger pictureWhat was Norman England like?
• whereWhere are the Channel Islands?
• an unexpected connectionHow is the Anglo-Norman horse related?

Sources

• [1]Anglo-Norman (Wikidata Q35214) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Anglo-Norman language · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Anglo-Normans · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Anglo-Norman literature · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Anglo-Norman · CC BY-SA 4.0