What is the difference between French and Old French?

French refers to the modern language spoken in France and other Francophone regions today, while Old French encompasses the stage of the language used from around the 9th to the 14th centuries. Old French exhibits significant differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation compared to contemporary French, reflecting its evolution over time. Additionally, Old French has various dialects, such as Picard and Norman, which are less prominent in modern French. The transition to Middle French marked the beginning of significant linguistic changes that led to the standardization of the language we recognize today.