Study for the Life in the United Kingdom Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In which year did English become the preferred language of the royal court and Parliament?

English started to dominate government life gradually after the Norman Conquest, moving from French and Latin toward English in official settings. A key moment is the mid-14th century shift, including the 1362 Statute of Pleading which required court proceedings to be in English, and over the following decades English became the standard language of administration. By around 1400, the royal court and Parliament were routinely using English, making that year the point at which it became the preferred language for official business. Earlier dates still show heavy French influence, while later dates reflect the established use of English rather than the turning point itself.

English started to dominate government life gradually after the Norman Conquest, moving from French and Latin toward English in official settings. A key moment is the mid-14th century shift, including the 1362 Statute of Pleading which required court proceedings to be in English, and over the following decades English became the standard language of administration. By around 1400, the royal court and Parliament were routinely using English, making that year the point at which it became the preferred language for official business. Earlier dates still show heavy French influence, while later dates reflect the established use of English rather than the turning point itself.