History of Language

Question 1

5th Century AD

Answer 1

• As Romans left britain in 410 AD, Britain got invaded by 4 Germanic tribe : Jutes, Saxons, Angles and Frisian.
• They pushed celts into Cumbria, Wales and Cornwall where cumbric, cornish and welsh developed. Basics of Old English were the Anglosaxon dialect
• About 1/3 of the words we use now are Anglo-Saxon.

Question 2

Before 100 BC

Answer 2

• Britain was populated by a mixture of tribes including the Celts, Picts, Irish and Cornish.
• They all spoke a variety of celtic language.

Question 3

Old English

(400 - 1100 AD)

Answer 3

The earliest form of the English Language.
- Also Known as the Anglo-Saxon language.
- Three languages that influenced Old English were : Norse, Celtic, and Latin
- Old English is the Germanic inhabitants language which florished until the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Question 4

Viking Invaders

(8th Century)

Answer 4

• Viking’s influence on the English Language is still used today.
• The Vikings came from Scandinavia.
• Viking’s added the words! Berserk, ugly: muck, Knife, die and cake to the English Language.

Question 5

Middle English

(1100 - 1450 AD)

Question 6

Early Modern English

(1470-1700)

Answer 6

• In 15th, 16th and 17th century, there was a Great Vowel Shift.
• Shakespeare’s language was widely used.
• Early Modern English: The state of the English Language from the Tudors to the English Restoration.
• Greek and Latin texts were translated into English as they weren’t disimmilar and many words derived from Greek and Latin.

Question 7

Latin (Late Modern English)

(1700 - Modern Day)

Answer 7

• 1/2 of the English Language is derived from the English Language.
• Latin influence is lexical nature.
• When suitable Old English words could not be substituted they would chose a latin word instead. i.e. tepid and carpet from ‘rapetum’ in writing.
• Latin was used for scholary activity or other important activities
• • Many latin prefixes and suffuxies were borrowed. i.e. Apparatus

Question 8

19th Century Onwards

Answer 8

-Colonial expansion, the spread of literacy and mass production of the printed word extended everyone’s access to Standard English.

Question 9

Modern Developments

Answer 9

• English is now a world language of communication. No one is really regulating online language.
• A more colloquial and causal style of language reflects major social changes. Estuary English (a southern-eastern dialect) has become widespread.
• American English increasingly influences British English and English worldwide.
• Demographic circle will influence your language the most.