10 Questions
What is the origin of the English language?
West Germanic
What percentage of English words are borrowed from French and Latin respectively?
28%
Who are the speakers of English referred to as?
Anglophones
What is the earliest form of English known as?
Old English
From which language has English borrowed some grammar and core vocabulary?
Old Norse
What language family does English belong to?
Indo-European
After which ancient Germanic peoples is English named?
Angles
What are the languages most closely related to Modern English?
Low Saxon and Frisian
Which group of dialects did Old English evolve from?
North Sea Germanic dialects
What is the term for English speakers?
Anglophones
Study Notes
Origin of English Language
- The English language originated from Germanic languages spoken by ancient Germanic peoples, specifically the Anglo-Saxons.
Loanwords and Influence
- Approximately 30% of English words are borrowed from French, mainly due to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
- Around 30% of English words are borrowed from Latin, mostly due to the influence of Christianity and Roman Empire.
Speakers and Terms
- English speakers are referred to as Anglophones.
- The term for English speakers is Anglophones.
Early Forms of English
- The earliest form of English is known as Old English, also referred to as Anglo-Saxon.
Grammar and Vocabulary
- English has borrowed some grammar and core vocabulary from Proto-Germanic language.
Language Family
- English belongs to the West Germanic language family.
Related Languages
- Modern English is most closely related to Frisian and Low German languages.
Old English Evolution
- Old English evolved from the group of dialects known as Ingvaeonic or North Sea Germanic dialects.
Language Namesake
- English is named after the Angles, one of the ancient Germanic peoples that settled in England.
Test your knowledge of the English language with this quiz! From its origins to its modern forms, challenge yourself with questions about the history, dialects, and influences of this widely spoken language.
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