Historical Linguistics Flashcards
Earliest origins of English and other languages (language families and PIE) 2 theories
Impossible to observe so linguists don’t know for sure
Theories
1. Mythological-
bible, Polynesia, some African, some indigenous Canadian = born with ability to talk and human hubris (excess pride) and strife (conflict) cause multiple languages
Roman, Greek, European, some African, some indigenous Canadian = gift from gods or divine being, human hubris or strife caused multiple languages and Gods gave particular languages to particular groups
2. Scientific theories
-physical adaptations - evolved larynx (evidence against- kids can talk)
-everyone all at once- 50 000 years ago big bang (evidence against diaspora- how could it all happen at once)
-developed in Africa over 100000 years ago before diaspora all languages started from one
Origin languages in language tree
Sino-Caucasian, Nostradic (?), Austric (?)
What did Proto-Indo-European originate from
Nostradic
What are the two sides of PIE family tree called? What does it mean?
Two sides- centum and satem
Both mean 100
Split because each side followed difference language changes
What is the origin of Olde English?
Anglo-Frisian
Influences from Celtic languages, Latin, old Norse, Greek and French
How did Celts influence olde English
Romans invade British Isles (Caesar’s first attempt in 55 BCE)
Romans invade British Isles (Claudius half successful in 43 CE)
Previously British isles inhabited by Celtic people
Hadrian’s Wall separated Roman and Barbarian Celtic Culture
Some Celtic people ended up on Roman side (they remained linguistically independent)
300 CE culturally Romanised and Linguistically Independent
What happens when Rome collapses?
4th to 5th Century people left England and reverted back to old languages
What happens after Rome collapses?
Germans came to British Isles
Agles, Saxons, and Jutes
There were some wars but mostly peace between Celtic and Anglo-Saxons
What language was part of the Dark Ages?
Olde Norse
-Viking invaders on coast of British Isles
-they integrated =impact on language
We know little about Dark Ages- few artifacts, writing was on runes ( wood- rotted away)
What did Alfred the Great do?
Helped England fight off Viking invaders
Unified England against the Danes
What did King Sejong the Great do?
-created Korean alphabet (phonetic instead of Chinese logographic)
-allowed common people to be literate
-made moveable type practical
What happened in 1066 Norman Invasion
Edward the Confessor had no children and appointed several successors before his passing
Harold Godwinson took the crown
William the Bastard threatened war on Godwinson so Godwinson had his army ready until September and then dismantled army
Harold Hardrada- began war on British Isles at Battle of Stamford (sept 25)
-Godwinson was victorious
But then William the Bastard (now Conqueror) set sail Sept. 27
Godwinson’s army rushes to next battle at Hastings
Battle of Hastings started and ended Oct 14
Godwinson and English army forces lost
William the Conqueror crowned on Christmas Day
-French noblemen
How did the Norman Invasion influence language?
Most of Godwins army died (English speakers)
William the Conqueror army was French and rewarded with land and titles in England
Resulted in- ruling classes spoke Old French “big”/political things were done in French
Peasants spoke Old English and English almost became extinct
What saved English after Norman Invasion?
Common people and serfs were larger in numbers than the Lords, Nobles, Towns, Church and King
Hierarchy in language started to occur
English speakers were in charge of raising animals for food ( language highlighted this)
French speakers had access to higher class things (what you eat vs animal raised)
Words from Anglo-Saxon- simpler/less fancy words. (Lower class)
Words derived from French- fancier (upper class)
How did Crusades impact language?
Richard 1 (Great Grandson of William the Conqueror) “Lionheart” was rarely in England often spent time on crusades or in France
Focus on French continued
Richard 1 brother (Bad) King John lost many holdings in France (John Lackland)
Fighting civil and abroad lead to increase nationalism and revival of English
