How did Latin and Anglo-Norman writing influence medieval English literature?

Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, medieval England became a trilingual society where English literature developed in the shadow of, and in competition with, Latin and Anglo-Norman.12

Latin Influence

From 500 to 1500, Latin served as the primary language for the church, administration, science, and philosophy. It remained the standard for learning, providing a stable framework for intellectual life even as vernacular languages evolved. Latin chronicles and religious texts, such as those by Bede the Venerable, established early models for historical and theological writing that influenced English literary development.314

Anglo-Norman Influence

Anglo-Norman was the language of the court, law, and aristocracy. Its influence on English literature was profound:5
* Linguistic Change: The influx of French loanwords and the adoption of Carolingian script altered English spelling and vocabulary.1
* Literary Forms: Anglo-Norman introduced or popularized courtly romances, lays, and didactic religious works, which were often imitated or adapted into Middle English.5
* Literary Competition: Because English had to compete with these prestigious languages, vernacular writers were often challenged to elevate English as a serious literary medium, a process that culminated in the work of figures like Geoffrey Chaucer.12