Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the origin of the name 'English'?
What is the origin of the name 'English'?
- It is linked to the Norse word 'Engelsk'
- It is a combination of 'Engel' and 'land'
- It comes from the Latin word 'Anglicus'
- It is derived from the Angles, an ancient Germanic people (correct)
Where did Old English originate from?
Where did Old English originate from?
- Derived from the Celtic language
- Borrowings from Old Norse exclusively
- Influences from Latin and Greek languages
- Group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons (correct)
What percentage of total speakers of the Germanic language branch does English account for?
What percentage of total speakers of the Germanic language branch does English account for?
- Exactly 90%
- At least 70% (correct)
- Around 50%
- Less than 30%
Where is English not an official language?
Where is English not an official language?
What is the status of English as a second language?
What is the status of English as a second language?
Flashcards
Origin of 'English'?
Origin of 'English'?
Derived from the Angles, an ancient Germanic people.
Origin of Old English?
Origin of Old English?
A group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons.
English speakers (Germanic)?
English speakers (Germanic)?
At least 70%.
English not official where?
English not official where?
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English as a second language?
English as a second language?
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Study Notes
Origin of the Name 'English'
- The name 'English' derives from the Angles, a Germanic tribe that inved England during the early Middle Ages.
- The term is linked to the Old English word 'Englisc', referring to the language of the Angles.
Origins of Old English
- Old English originated from the dialects of the Anglo-Saxons, combining elements from Germanic languages brought to Britain by the Anglo-Saxon settlers.
- This language evolved from 450 AD and was spoken until around 1150 AD.
English in the Germanic Language Branch
- English accounts for approximately 1.5 billion speakers, making it the most widely spoken language within the Germanic language branch.
- It represents around 60% of the total speakers of this language family.
English as an Official Language
- English is not an official language in several countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, and China.
- Despite its widespread use, many nations have chosen not to recognize English legally or officially.
Status of English as a Second Language
- English is considered the global lingua franca, extensively used as a second language across the world.
- Nearly 1 billion people speak English as a second language, highlighting its role in international communication and business.
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