-
The English language started with the arrival of three Germanic tribes (the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes) who invaded Britain during the 5th century AD. These tribes crossed the North Sea from what today is Denmark and northern Germany.
-
The Brittish developed the similar languages spoken by the tribes into Old English. Modern English have Old English roots such as the words be, strong and water.
-
William the Conqueror and the Duke of Normandy invade Britain and brought the French language. The upper class and business class begin to speak French. But, the lower class still spoke English.
-
English became the dominant language but had a little French mixed in. This became Middle English.
-
Edward III became the first king to address Parliament in English. By the end of that century, even the royal court had switched to English.
-
Towards the end of Middle English, the Great Vowel Shift started. The great vowel shift is a sudden and distinct change in pronunciation with vowels being pronounced shorter and shorter.
-
William Caxton establishes the first English printing press. This meant there was a language in print.
-
Table Alphabeticall, the first English dictionary, was printed.
-
Shakespeare's First Folio is published seven years after he died.
-
the Main difference between Early-English and Modern-English is the vocabulary. The industrial revolution and technology have expanded the English language.