History of the English language

During this time period, language was much different than it is today and it has gone through many changes over time. The main languages used during the Middle Ages were Middle English, Latin, and Anglo-Norman. People used different languages for different purposes such as writing and printing and most of them spoke more than one language. Some people with second languages had a degree of literacy. The evolution of languages throughout the Middle Ages gave strong foundations for modern languages through the Great Vowel Shift, Old English, and early and late Modern English. One of the most significant events in the development of the English language is the Great Vowel Shift. The history of the English language began when the…

History of English language and Its Influence in Classic Literature English is a unique and modern language. In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, “For most people residing in the United States, English is the only language spoken in the home” (2015). The Bureau further reports, that although English is the primary language of choice for most U.S. citizens, however, there are many languages besides English, spoken in homes across the nation. What is fascinating about English, is…

The English language is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is known as a bridge language that is often used in global trade, business, diplomacy, and communication. Although the United States does not have an official language, English is the primary language that is used and taught across the country. Meanwhile, English is the official language of many other countries and English speakers are found on each and every continent. Yet how did this come to be? Where else is…

An important factor in today’s civilization and culture is language. The ability to be literate is a privilege and a necessity in a world that relies on common speech, systematic administration and communication through writing. English has been a vital part in today’s society within hundreds of cultures worldwide; however, English has not always been as popular or familiar to those who speak it in the modern world. Indeed, like most things in a constantly changing world, the English language…

The most famous of these may be her use of the word "queynte" to describe both domestic duties (from the homonym "quaint") and genitalia ("queynte" being the root of 'cunt', a vulgar English word for…

A few years ago I was asked by my department chair to teach an English Language Development (ELD) class. As I had only been teaching for a year, I was unfamiliar with the full requirements of the class and nervous to take on what I felt was a BIG responsibility. Once I accepted our dean of curriculum asked me to be the ELD advisor. I took two days to decide that with my family background, my grandfather picked fruit for a living and my mom picked and packed growing up, I could make the students…

the world, English seems to be the “default” language – almost everyone knows it. In fact, according to linguist David Crystal, there are more non-native speakers of English than native. Has English become a “global language”? And if so, why is that? What parts of history congealed together so tightly that English, a confusing mish-mash of roots, grammar, and culture, came to be the one global, essential tongue? Finally, what does this mean for the future of both English and the many other…

around the world speak English. This language found at large over all the American continent is now spoken across our planet. Non-native speakers have adopted English as the lingua franca to be able to communicate better with each other to facilitate commercial, cultural, or administrative exchanges just to name a few. Many of the countries today that speak the English language are former British colonies, Canada not being an exception to this. Even though it has two official languages, one…

international language refers to a language in widespread use as a foreign language or second language (Richards et al.,1992, p.234). Over the years, the English language has reached a status of the international language, and has played an important role around the world for economic, education, scientific and entertainment exchange between nations and particularly between people, and commonly is characterized as a lingua franca. According to Crystal (1997), today, more people use English than…

“Three Ways to Speak English” is Jamila Lyiscott’s powerful spoken word essay given at TEDSalon NY2014. The “tri-tongued orator” explains that speaking three English dialects at home, school, and friends does not make her any less articulate or educated. She gives a voice explaining the complicated history and present-day identity that each language represents. Using emotional and logical tactics, she reminds the audience that the many dialects of English are as valid as the more standardized…