Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the origin of the name 'English'?
What is the origin of the name 'English'?
- It is a combination of 'Engel' and 'ish' meaning 'land of the Angles'
- It comes from the Latin word 'Anglicus'
- It is derived from the name of the ancient Germanic tribe, the Angles (correct)
- It originates from the Old English word 'Englisc'
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 80%
- Less than 30%
- Around 50%
- At least 70% (correct)
In how many sovereign states is English either the official language or one of the official languages?
In how many sovereign states is English either the official language or one of the official languages?
- 59 (correct)
- 25
- 40
- 75
What was the estimated number of English speakers worldwide as of 2005?
What was the estimated number of English speakers worldwide as of 2005?
Which language influenced Late Old English in terms of grammar and core vocabulary?
Which language influenced Late Old English in terms of grammar and core vocabulary?
What is the year Macbeth is thought to have been first performed?
What is the year Macbeth is thought to have been first performed?
Who prophecies that Macbeth will become King of Scotland?
Who prophecies that Macbeth will become King of Scotland?
Which historical work is Shakespeare's source for the story of Macbeth?
Which historical work is Shakespeare's source for the story of Macbeth?
What is the primary cause of Macbeth's downfall?
What is the primary cause of Macbeth's downfall?
In which publication was Macbeth first officially published?
In which publication was Macbeth first officially published?
Study Notes
Origin of English Language
- The name 'English' has its origin in the name of the Angles, a Germanic tribe that settled in England.
Germanic Language Branch
- English accounts for approximately 70% of total speakers of the Germanic language branch.
Official Language Status
- English is either the official language or one of the official languages in around 67 sovereign states.
Global English Speakers
- As of 2005, the estimated number of English speakers worldwide was around 1.5 billion.
Influence on Old English
- Old English was influenced by Latin in terms of grammar and core vocabulary.
Macbeth Play
Performance and Prophecy
- Macbeth is thought to have been first performed in 1606.
- The witches prophecy that Macbeth will become King of Scotland.
Historical Source
- Shakespeare's source for the story of Macbeth is the historical work 'Holofornes' Chronicles'.
Downfall of Macbeth
- Macbeth's downfall is primarily caused by his own ambition and guilt.
Publication History
- Macbeth was first officially published in the First Folio in 1623.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the English language and its origins with this quiz. Challenge yourself with questions about vocabulary, grammar, and the history of English.
