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Vikings raid and settle in parts of Britain, leading to contact between Old English and Old Norse, resulting in linguistic borrowings and influences. -
Germanic tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, migrate to Britain, bringing their Germanic dialects and laying the foundation for Old English. -
The Normans, led by William the Conqueror, defeat the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, and Norman French becomes the language of the ruling elite. This leads to a significant infusion of French words into English. -
English undergoes changes in pronunciation and grammar, with the Great Vowel Shift and simplification of grammar. Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" exemplifies Middle English literature. -
The printing press is introduced to England by William Caxton, leading to standardization and increased dissemination of the English language. -
The Renaissance brings Latin and Greek influences, leading to the expansion of the English vocabulary. Shakespeare's works and the King James Bible are significant contributions to Early Modern English literature. -
English spreads to various parts of the world due to British colonialism, resulting in the emergence of new English dialects and regional variations. -
The Industrial Revolution brings technological advancements and increased global trade, leading to further linguistic interactions and the incorporation of loanwords from various languages. -
The influence of American culture and the economic and political power of the United States lead to the widespread influence of American English on a global scale. -
The internet and digital communication revolutionize the way people use and interact with English, leading to the rapid creation and dissemination of new words and phrases. -
English becomes the dominant global language for communication, business, science, and diplomacy.