5 Questions
What is the origin of the English language?
It originated from the Angles, one of the ancient Germanic peoples
Where does English rank in terms of native language speakers?
Third-most spoken native language
In how many sovereign states is English either the official language or one of the official languages?
59 sovereign states
What is the status of English in the United States and the United Kingdom?
Sole or dominant language for historical reasons without being explicitly defined by law
What language influenced Late Old English in terms of grammar and core vocabulary?
Old Norse
Study Notes
Origin of English
- The English language originated from the fusion of Germanic dialects brought to Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the 5th century.
Ranking of English
- English is the third most spoken language in the world in terms of native language speakers, with over 379 million native speakers.
Official Language Status
- English is either the official language or one of the official languages in 67 sovereign states.
Status of English in the US and UK
- In the United States, English is the most widely spoken language, but it has no official language at the federal level.
- In the United Kingdom, English is the de facto official language, but there are no laws declaring it as such.
Early Influences
- The grammar and core vocabulary of Late Old English were influenced by Latin, which was introduced to Britain by Roman conquerors and Christian missionaries.
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.
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