Overview
This lecture traces the history of the English language, highlighting its major periods, linguistic influences, and evolution into a global language.
Old English (450–1150 AD)
- Old English emerged after the Anglo-Saxon migration to Britain, replacing Latin and Celtic languages.
- It developed from the dialects of Germanic tribes: Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
- Viking invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries introduced Old Norse vocabulary (e.g., sky, egg, window).
- Old English had complex grammar and vocabulary, distinct from modern English.
Middle English (1150–1500 AD)
- The Norman Conquest (1066) brought Norman French influence, especially in law, government, and culture.
- Thousands of French words entered English (e.g., court, justice, jury, parliament).
- Grammar simplified: reduced gender distinctions and case endings; increased use of prepositions and auxiliaries.
- Regional dialects persisted, but Chaucer's Canterbury Tales helped standardize the East Midland dialect.
- Middle English saw significant literary development and variation across England.
Early Modern English (1500–1700 AD)
- The Renaissance introduced many Latin and Greek terms (e.g., encyclopedia, philosophy, drama).
- Gutenberg’s printing press (introduced in England 1476) standardized spelling and grammar.
- The Great Vowel Shift changed the pronunciation of long vowels (e.g., "bite" sounded like "beet").
- Works by Shakespeare and the King James Bible enriched vocabulary and influenced standard English.
- English began spreading globally through exploration and colonization.
Contemporary English
- English is now a global lingua franca, with over 1.5 billion speakers.
- It continues to absorb new words from technology, media, and world cultures.
- Digital communication accelerates the evolution and spread of new vocabulary.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Old English — Early form of English (450–1150 AD), derived from Anglo-Saxon dialects.
- Middle English — English language period (1150–1500 AD) influenced by Norman French.
- Early Modern English — Stage of English (1500–1700 AD) affected by the Renaissance and printing press.
- Great Vowel Shift — Major change in English vowel pronunciation between 1400 and 1700.
- Norman Conquest — 1066 invasion of England introducing significant Norman French influence.
- Lingua franca — Common language used for communication between speakers of different native languages.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key vocabulary from each historical period.
- Read excerpts from Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the King James Bible as examples of language evolution.