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The Origins of the English Language: From Anglo-Saxon Roots to Global Tongue
The English language, now one of the most widely spoken and influential languages in the world, has a rich and complex history that traces back over 1,500 years. Its evolution began with the arrival of Germanic tribes—mainly the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes—in Britain during the 5th and 6th centuries AD. These tribes originated from what is now northwest Germany, southern Denmark, and the Netherlands, and brought with them their native dialects that formed the foundation of what we now call Old English.
Old English: The Birth of a Language
Old English was a Germanic language, filled with complex grammar and a vocabulary largely unrecognisable to modern English speakers. It was shaped significantly by the Anglo-Saxon way of life and enriched by contact with other groups. Notably, the Vikings, who began raiding and later settling parts of England from the 8th century onwards, introduced a wave of Old Norse vocabulary into English. Words such as “sky,” “egg,” “knife,” and “window” are just a few of the everyday terms borrowed from Norse.
Latin also had a strong influence on Old English, especially through the spread of Christianity. Latin entered the language via religious texts and scholarly works, adding ecclesiastical and intellectual terms.
Middle English: The Norman Influence
The next major transformation occurred after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated the English king Harold at the Battle of Hastings. The Normans spoke a dialect of Old French, and over time, Norman French became the language of the English court, law, and aristocracy.
This period marked the beginning of Middle English, a linguistic blend of Old English grammar and vocabulary infused with thousands of French terms. Words relating to government (e.g., “court,” “justice”), fashion (“gown,” “jewel”), and cuisine (“beef,” “poultry”) were all introduced during this period.
Though French dominated the upper classes, Old English persisted among the common people. Eventually, the two languages merged more fluidly, leading to the gradual rise of a distinctly Middle English that laid the groundwork for the modern version we speak today.
The Legacy of English
By the end of the 15th century, English had undergone yet another shift with the emergence of Early Modern English. Influenced by the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press, and a revival of interest in classical languages, English expanded its vocabulary further—this time borrowing heavily from Latin and Greek.
Today, English continues to evolve, shaped by globalisation, technology, and cultural exchange. But its core is deeply rooted in the speech of early Germanic settlers and enriched by centuries of invasion, trade, and transformation.
Attached is a News article on the true background of the English language and were it originated from in the early years.
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/where-did-the-english-language-come-from-112911239/114265.html
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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