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The Angles bring their language (Englisc) to the British Isles, where most of the people already spoke only Celtic languages. (Image credit: Swanbourne's History)
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The mix of languages in the British Isles brings forth Old English, which would be virtually unrecognizable to us today. Nevertheless, many words in our language are derived from roots here. (Image credit: Sample of "Beowulf" by Omniglot)
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The prophet Muhammed begins his work in Mecca, leading to the formation of the Islamic religion. (Image credit: Great Mosque of Mecca, c/o Encyclopedia Brittannica)
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Moors begin their sieges of Spain. Arabic languages brought to Europe have a clear and heavy influence on Modern English as we know it. (Image credit: Alhambra, Grenada, Spain, c/o Alhambra Tours)
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The oldest surviving copy of the epic is from circa 1000, though the story could possibly be much older. (Image credit: Bob Mayer)
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William the Conqueror (French) invaded England and brought with him his own language. This mix of French and Old English led to the development of Middle English, which would still be difficult for us to understand. (Image credit: Horrible Histories)
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This example of poetry, written in Middle English in the 14th century, is an Arthurian romance typical of the time. (Image credit: Medievalists)
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Koreans start to use an early form of the printing press by metal moving pieces in around the 13th century. (Image credit: Buddhist teachings printed in 1377, c/o Wikipedia)
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Johannes Gutenberg developed the printing press, arguably the most important invention in the world, in the mid-15th century, which allowed for the widespread and quick publication of books. (Image credit: The History Guide)
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Chaucer's work on this collection spans from 1387 to 1400, though it was not published fully until a much later date. (Image credit: Google Play Books)
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During the 15th century, a very distinct change in pronunciation occurred. Vowels were considered shorter and sharper, which contributed to the advent of Early Modern English. (Image credit: History of English)
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Christopher Columbus 'discovers' America for the Spanish. (Image credit: Sebastiano del Piombo, 1519, c/o Metropolitan Museum of Art)
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The first permanent American colony is founded. From this point on, 'American' English starts to differ from the Queen's. Native American languages and culture would shape English, adding words such as raccoon, bayou, and squash. (Image credit: The History Junkies)
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The first collection of Shakespeare's work was published in 1623, also known as the First Folio. (Image credit: Buddenbrooks)
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The American colonies declare independence from Britain. (Image credit: Gilbert Stuart, 1796, c/o Metropolitan Museum of Art)
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America's landgrab skirmishes with Mexico and prior and subsequent interactions were some of the most prominent of many international exploits that would contribute to the ever-changing scope of the Modern English language.
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The Sixties saw a bloom of cultural change for America, with one of the most prominent themes being civil rights. With this changing perspective, the literary world was expanded and changed forever.
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Hewlett-Packard commercializes the BASIC computers. Computers have and continue to have an ever-expanding influence on Modern English language. (Image credit: HP Computer Musuem)
