The History of the English Language

Old English

Period: 400 to 1066

The earliest form of English. It had complex grammar and many Germanic words.

Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain

450

Brings Old English to England.

St. Augustine’s mission to England

597

Introduces Christianity and Latin literacy.

Beowulf Written

900

Old English epic poem.

Norman Invasion

1066

Introduced Norman French, changing grammar and vocabulary.

Middle English

Period: 1066 to 1500

Spoken after the Norman Invasion. English with many absorbed French words. Grammar was simplified, and overall, the language was more flexible.

Magna Carta signed

1215

Early move toward English legal documents.

Black Death reaches England

1348

Labor shifts elevate English over French.

Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

1387

Promotes Middle English literature.

Invention of the printing press

1440

Standardizes spelling and writing.

Discovery of the Americas

1492

Introduces new vocabulary from the Americas.

Modern English

Period: 1500 to 2000

English evolved into the language we recognize today. Vocabulary expanded quickly due to exploration, science, and technology. Printing and education standardized spelling and grammar.

Defeat of the Spanish Armada

1588

Strengthens England's global influence.

Shakespeare’s First Folio published

1623

Preserves Early Modern English literature.

Industrial Revolution begins

1749

Introduces technological and scientific vocabulary.

American Revolution

1775

Helped shape a separate American linguistic identity.

World War II

1939

Spreads English worldwide through media and diplomacy.