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410
Romans leave England
The Roman Empire collapses, and the Romans decide to leave England. The country is still speaking Celtic languages until the following event occurs. https://theconversation.com/the-roman-brexit-how-life-in-britain-changed-after-409ad-93886 -
450
(Geography, Conquest, Interaction with other Languages) The Anglo-Saxons invade Britain
Right after the Romans leave Britain, Germany takes advantage of the weaknesses and conquers England. Different Germanic languages replace most of the Celt languages, mix, and form Anglo-Saxon, or Old English. This is important as it marks the start of the English language. The process begins with a Germanic base due to the conquest of different areas by those tribes. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/53027/10-old-english-words-you-need-be-using -
Period: 800 to 1066
(Geography, Conquest, Interactions with other Languages) The Vikings invade Britain
The Vikings, who are known as the Norsemen, invade Britain. Because both Old English and their language are based on Germanic languages, they have a lot of similarities. However, numerous loanwords are taken from the Norse. Some examples are the following: give, take, etc. These help expand the English language and add new words to the vocabulary. -
1066
(Conquest) The Norman Conquest
William the Conqueror overthrows Britain and the English language makes huge changes. Called Middle English, it absorbs a lot of French and Latin words. Approximately 60% of English words are from the Norman Conquest. At this point, Middle English starts to look more like the modern English we speak today. https://blog.english-heritage.org.uk/what-was-the-legacy-of-william-the-conqueror/ -
Period: 1066 to
(Time, Culture) Standardization
From 1066 to the 1300s, time helps the different Middle English dialects form Early Modern English. At the same time, from 1066 to the 1700s, Catholic priests start using loan words from the Latin language. Then, from the 1400s to the 1700s, scientists and scholars start making new words derived from Latin and Greek origins because they believe that those two languages are more superior to English. Time, culture, and beliefs take a crucial role in the progress of Modern English. -
Period: to
(Conquest, Interactions with other Languages) Colonization
During the three centuries, Britain goes on to invade and rule over many international locations. It spreads its language as it also earns new loan words from different parts of the world. This is important as it explains why many countries use English as one of their main languages (e.g. several African countries).