History of the English Language B1

By andrearegueira
  • 449

    Invasion of Britain

    Germanic tribes (Jutes, Angles and Saxons) invade Britain. The name "English" comes from one of this tribes. Can you guess which one?
  • Period: 450 to Apr 26, 1150

    Old English

  • Apr 25, 1000

    Beowulf

    Most important Old English work. Anonymous. Date of publication: 11th century
  • Apr 25, 1066

    Battle of Hastings (Norman conquest)

    Battle in a town called Hastings (south of England). William the conqueror becomes King. William is from Normandy (north of France). People speak French in Normandy. The king and nobles speak French in England. People in Britain speak two languages: French (upper classes) and English (lower classes)
  • Period: Apr 25, 1150 to Apr 26, 1500

    Middle English

  • Apr 25, 1362

    English in court

    English becomes the language of law.
  • Apr 25, 1450

    London Standard

    London dialect becomes the standard.
  • Apr 25, 1476

    Printing press

    William Caxton brings the printing press to England.
  • Period: Apr 25, 1500 to

    Modern English

  • Apr 25, 1564

    Shakespeare is born!

  • The English go to America

    Beginning of British empire. What influence do you think this had in the English language?