The correct answer is 3. English, French, and Latin because, after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, these were the three dominant languages used in different domains of society for at least two centuries. Here’s why:
1. French (Norman French) – The Language of the Ruling Class
The Normans, who conquered England, were of Viking descent but had adopted French as their language.
French became the language of the monarchy, nobility, and law courts.
Many French words entered English, particularly in government, law, art, and cuisine (e.g., "court," "justice," "government").
2. Latin – The Language of the Church and Education
The Church was a powerful institution, and Latin was the language of religion, scholarship, and administration.
Clergy, monks, and scholars used Latin for writing, record-keeping, and education.
Official documents and legal texts were often written in Latin.
3. English – The Language of the Common People
The Anglo-Saxons spoke Old English, which remained the everyday language of peasants and lower classes.
However, English was not used in governance or official documents during the early Norman period.
Over time, English absorbed many French and Latin words, evolving into Middle English by the 14th century.
Why Not the Other Options?
German (Options 1 & 2): German was not widely spoken in England. While Old English had Germanic roots, it was distinct from medieval German.
Greek (Option 4): Greek was not commonly spoken in England at that time. It was used in the Eastern Orthodox Church and some scholarly contexts but not in England’s daily life.
Thus, Option 3 (English, French, and Latin) is the correct answer because these were the three primary languages used in different social, administrative, and cultural spheres in post-Norman England.
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