The transition from French to English as the primary language of the British monarchy was largely influenced by the Hundred Years War, fostering a distinct English identity among the nobility. Henry IV marked a pivotal moment as the first English-speaking king, setting the stage for a language shaped significantly by French and other influences. The concept of Anglish emerges as a thought experiment, proposing a version of English stripped of foreign words, showcasing how language can evolve differently under varied influences.
