History of the English Language
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Questions and Answers

46% of the words in English have Scandinavian influence.

True

Samuel Johnson published the first English dictionary in 1755.

False

The Daily Courant was the first daily English-language newspaper.

True

The Norwegian language is considered the most complex of the Scandinavian languages.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The grammatical structures of modern English were greatly influenced by Old Norse.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Webster published his American English dictionary before Samuel Johnson's dictionary.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The British Broadcasting Corporation was founded in the 1920s.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scandinavian languages have no impact on the vocabulary of modern English.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

English and Norwegian languages originated from the same language family and are therefore very similar.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

60% of daily words in modern English are derived from Old Norse.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Scandinavian language family includes languages such as English, Swedish, and Finnish.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The influence of Latin on English language vocabulary is minimal, around 10%.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Old English was first replaced by Latin due to the influence of the Anglo Saxons.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Latin and Norman French have contributed equally to the modern English vocabulary.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Norman French was never adopted as an official language in England.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Approximately 80% of words in the English dictionary are of Latin origin.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Scandinavian languages had no influence on the English language.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scandinavian languages contributed to the popularity of English as a heritage language in Germany.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Old English period began after the 7th century.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Several Germanic epics were composed during the Old English period.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The influence of Scandinavian languages on English was limited to vocabulary changes.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The linguistic impact of Scandinavian languages on English has historical roots dating back to the Viking invasions.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

English literature had little to no phonological changes during the pre old English period.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The English language was developed with influences from both Norman and Scandinavian languages.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origin, Development, and History of English Language

  • English is a West Germanic language originating from Ingvaeonic.
  • Dominant in many countries including the US, UK, NZ, and Australia.
  • Belonging to the German language family.
  • German tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) migrated to Britain in the 5th century AD.
  • Britain adopted the language of the German tribes.

Introduction of English Language

  • English language historically evolved, from Old to Modern English.
  • Modern English is divided into Early Modern and Late Modern English.
  • Various forms of English exist, expressing diverse human feelings.
  • English has been influenced by other languages, notably Spanish and French.
  • English language evolution can be explained chronologically.

Chronology of English Language

  • 55 BC: Roman invasion of Britain. Local inhabitants spoke Celtic.
  • AD 43: Roman occupation begins.
  • 1066: William the Conqueror conquers England, establishing Norman rule. English replaces French as the law language.
  • 1362: English replaces French in parliament.
  • c. 1388: Chaucer begins writing The Canterbury Tales.
  • c. 1400: Great Vowel Shift begins.

Latin Influence

  • Latin significantly impacted English, influencing 80% of its vocabulary.
  • About 60% of English words have Latin roots.
  • Latin language was a commercial language in Britain.

Scandinavian Influence

  • Scandinavian invasions (8th and 9th centuries) influenced English grammar.
  • About 46% of modern English vocabulary has Scandinavian origins.
  • Influenced English grammar (nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs)

Norman Influence

  • Norman French had a huge impact on the English vocabulary.
  • 30% of Modern English vocabulary comes from Norman French.
  • Norman language's establishment as the official language of England.
  • Replacement of English words with French words in vocabulary.

History and Development of English

  • Pre-Old English Period: 5th to 7th Centuries.
  • Old English Period (Anglo-Saxon): 5th century AD–1066.
    • Oldest form of English, including Beowulf.
  • Middle English Period: 1150-1450 CE.
    • Significant grammatical changes; influence of Vikings, Latin, and French.
    • Chaucer's Canterbury Tales represent this period.
  • Modern English Period: 1450-Present.
    • Grammar and vocabulary became more standardized.
    • Shakespeare marks a pivotal moment.

Conclusion

  • English has a rich history, evolving through various stages.
  • Significant influences by various languages (Latin, French, Scandinavian).
  • Modern English's influence on worldwide literature and culture.

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Description

Explore the origin and evolution of the English language from its West Germanic roots through various historical milestones. Discover how migrations, invasions, and cultural exchanges have shaped Modern English and its diverse expressions. This quiz covers the significant changes and influences that have defined English over the centuries.

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