14/03/16 computer lesson. Language change- unfinished.

English is often perceived as a hybrid language, from periods in history where there were settlements and invasions- each one bringing in their own language. In addition to this it’s seen as hybrid because it is made up of so many sources of language; borrowing, technology, compounding and many more techniques have helped to shape the words we use and the way that English language is today.

Old English 5^th Century: Before we had English as a language, we used Celtic. English language was developing from: the Saxons (Anglo-saxons). The Anglo Saxons and Old Norse had the biggest impact as language was drawn from both. Latin was the basis of language and was one of the most influential factors in the English language growing. As with the UK now, back in the 5^th century different settlements resulted in different dialects.

Middle English 11^th Century:  The most significant event to influence English language was the Norman invasion; French was the verbal language of the court and was widely spoken alongside Latin which was still very important in written documentation.  Towards the end of the Middle English period English became well known.

Early Modern English 15^th Century: Caxton introduced printing press from Europe, many of them printed in English which helped establish the standard form of English. Shakespeare produced his work in English.

Modern English 18^th Century:  The English language was growing at an incredible rate as many words were being borrowed from Greek, Latin and more from all over the world. Grammarians established structure and patterns in the way that language is used and led to people establishing the correct ways of speaking and writing.  

Present Day English 20^th Century: English is an every changing language with the help of various influential factors including: technology, media and travel; therefore making English a global language.

The inkhorn Controversy:  During the 16-17^th Century the English language was spoken with pride as for many years with French rule it was important to speak the mother tongue with pride. Writers of the Renaissance expanded the vocabulary by coining, , compounding, borrowing  or affixation from many different languages such as: Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.