There are many words the same in French and English. After the Duke of Normandy conquered England in the battle of Hastings, 1066. From then on till near 1470, (four centuries), English was considered to be peasant language in England. Hierarchy spoke Fernch
Next commenced the 100 years war with France Partly because the Black Death tilted the balance of power towards the surviving peasantry, whose labour became more valuable. The English became fashionable again. But over those years the French became so ingrained in the language. Approximately 29% of the English words used today are derived from French.
Words like, vend, ballet, bouquet, valet, finance, entrepreneur, menu, café, restraint, en-route, revenue, and a great deal of words ending in "able" are the same in French. Like table , comfortable , receivable , formidable, ect. Difference being "able" at the end of a word in French is pronounced "aab" the L is silent.
So not to be concerned if you see some thing that appears to be French. It is most likely just a term used in common.
|
