The history of English language

    English is a West Germanic language that originated with the arrival of three German tribes to Britain.Those three tribes were the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes. They conquered Britain during 5th century from when the evolution of English language began. At that time, the native people of Britain spoke a Celtic language. But, most of them were driven north and west into lands we now refer to as Scotland, Ireland and Wales.The Angles came from "Englaland" and their language was called "Englisc" from which the words "England" and "English" were derived. 

The history of English is mainly divided into three periods 

• Old English(or Anglo-Saxon )
• Middle English
• Modern English

Old English

Old English was the earliest form of the English Language. It was spoken from 5th century to the late 11th century. It is also called as Anglo-Saxon as it was spoken by the Angles and the Saxons. Old English did not sound like today's English. However, most of the commonly used words in today's English have Old English roots. Following picture indicates a sample of Old English.

Middle English

In 1066,William the Conqueror invaded and conquered England. He was the Duke of Normandy(a part of modern France).The new conquerors of England(called the Normans) brought with them a kind of French. Therefore, French became the language of the Royal Court and the ruling. In the 14th century, English became dominant in Britain again. But this time,over 10,000 French words were adapted in English and about 75% of these are still in use.This language is called Middle English. It was spoken until the late 15th century. Middle English is also known as the language of the great poet Chaucer. Following picture indicates a sample of Middle English language.

Modern English

Modern English is the form of English language spoken since "The Great Vowel Shift" in England(The Great Vowel Shift was a series of changes in the pronunciation of English language that took place primarily between 1400 to 1700). Modern English is divided into the Early Modern English and the Late Modern English.

 i) Early Modern English

The span of Early Modern English extends from 1500 until 1800. This period is called Renaissance(the period in Europe when there was a surge of interest in and production of art and literature). During this period,a number of Greek and Latin words incorporated in English. Spelling and grammar of the language became more fixed.

ii) Late Modern English

The Late Modern English period started in 1800.The main difference between the Early Modern English and the Late Modern English is Vocabulary. Late Modern English has many more new words.There are two reasons why Late Modern English has large vocabulary. First, the industrial revolution and discovery of new technologies, which created need for new words to describe new discoveries.Second, the rise of British empire which introduced the English Language to the world. That is why the language accommodated many new foreign words within it's vocabulary.