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Period: 400 to
English Language Timeline
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Period: 400 to Dec 31, 1090
Old English
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405
Finishing of the Vulgate
The first Latin translation of the Christian Gospel was completed. -
Jan 1, 600
Anglo-Saxons Become Christian
In the 600s, Anglo-Saxons are largely converted to Christianity by St. Augustine and Irish missionaries. This brings many Greek and Latin words into the English language. -
Jan 1, 700
Writing of Beowulf (approx.)
700s to the 1000s
Beowulf was written in Old English and it is believe that it was written sometime in within this period. Excerpt from Beowulf: "Hwæt! We Gardena in geardagum,
þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon,
hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon." Modern English Translation:
"Yo! We have heard tell of the majesty of the Speardanes, of the Folk-kings, how the princes did valorous deeds." -
Jan 1, 850
Danes Raid England
In the mid 800s Danes raid England and build up a kingdom in York. Danish starts to influence the English Language. -
Jan 1, 1066
The Norman Invasion of England
This event introduced a form of French into England. French begins to influence the English language -
Period: Jan 1, 1100 to Jan 1, 1500
Middle English
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Jan 1, 1209
Universty of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is founded. This has had a lasting influence on the English language ever since. -
Jan 1, 1362
Statute of Pleading
English becomes the official language of England by decree of The Statute of Pleading. -
Jan 1, 1382
First English Bible
John Wycliffe's translation of the Latin Bible into English is published around this time and is a significant part of the development of the English Language. -
Jan 1, 1387
Writing of the Canterbury Tales
These tales were written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer. Excerpt from The Knight's Tale:
"Whilom, as olde stories tellen us,
Ther was a duc that highte Theseus;" Modern English translation:
"Once on a time, as old stories tell to us,
There was a duke whose name was Theseus:" -
Jan 1, 1440
Printing Press Invented
The printing press was invented around this time and had a major impact on the way the written language was recorded. It increased the availiability of text for all to be able to read by an enormous amount. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Finds Land
Christopher Columbus finds his way to land in the Western Hemisphere. -
Period: Jan 1, 1510 to
Modern English
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King James Bible
The King James Version of The Bible was enormously impactful to the written English language due to the fact that it was the most widely published book of its time and was the means by which many people learned how to read and write. -
Shakespeare's First Folio
Shakespeare's First Folio was published sometime in the later part of this year. It was written in (Early) Modern English. -
First English Dictionary
The very first English dictionary called "A Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson was published on this day. The English language has had a much slower rate of change due to the creation of this dictionary.
Excerpt from "A Dictionary of the English Language":
"Jack by the Hedge. n.s. An herb. Jack by the hedge is an herb that grows wild under hedges, is eaten as other sallads are, and much used in broth. Mortim." -
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the collective movements and events that revolved around the thirteen North American colonies under British power rebeling against the unfair taxes. These all collectively concluded in the creation of a new independent country, The United States of America. This all ended in 1783. -
The Internet
The invention of the internet and its release to the public was an enormous step for the English language. Not only did it inspire many new ways of learning about English, but it also made changing the English language possible through easy wide-spread communication.
Some English phrases common on the internet today:
"Do you even lift bro?"
"You only live once"
"I'm Swagalicious"
"Thug Life"
