History of the English Language

Old English

The history of English Language began when 3 Germanic tribes, the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes invaded Britain in the 5th century.

Many of the people who lived in Britain at the time spoke a Celtic language, but when they were invaded they were pushed west and north into Scotland and Ireland.

The Angles came from Englaland and their language was called Englisc. The words “England” and “English” are derived from this word.

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes spoke similar languages, which in Britain developed into what we now called Old English, which lasted from about 450-1100. Old English is VERY different from the English we speak today. Most of the words are unrecognizable to us.

Middle English

Middle English lasted from about 1100 to 1500.

In 1066, William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy (part of modern France), invaded and conquered England. The new conquerors (called the Normans) brought with them a kind of French, which became the language of the royalty and ruling class.

For a while, different classes in England spoke different languages. The upper classes spoke French and the lower classes spoke English.

In the 14th century English became dominant in Britain again, but with many French words added. This is what we now call Middle English. Middle English is closer to what we speak today, but many words are still unrecognizable.

Early Modern English

Early Modern English lasted from about 1500 to 1800. One of the major differences between Middle English and Early Modern English is called The Great Vowel Shift, when people started pronouncing vowel sounds shorter and shorter.

Reasons Middle English changed to Early Modern English: The British started having more contact with people around the world. The Renaissance included new scientific theories and inventions, which required new words. The invention of printing meant that there was a common language (including grammar and spelling rules) in print Books became cheaper and more accessible to the common people.

Late Modern English

Late Modern English began in about 1800 and continues today. The main difference between Early and Late Modern English is vocabulary. The Industrial Revolution and technology created a need for new words. British Empire had spread and covered ¼ of the earth’s surface; therefore, the English language adopted foreign words from many countries.

Overview Old English 450–1100 (Beowulf) Middle English 1100-1600 (Canterbury Tales) Early Modern English 1500-1800 (Shakespeare) Late Modern English 1800 – present