Here's why:
* Language evolves gradually: English developed over centuries, with influences from various languages. It didn't have a sudden "first speaker."
* No written records: We don't have records of the earliest forms of English. The earliest known written examples, like the "Runic Poem from the Ruthwell Cross" (circa 700 AD), represent a relatively late stage in the language's development.
Instead of a single "first man," we can talk about the:
* Anglo-Saxons: They are considered the primary contributors to the development of Old English, which is the ancestor of modern English.
* Old English: This period (449-1066 AD) saw the influence of Germanic languages (like Frisian and Anglo-Frisian) spoken by the Anglo-Saxons.
While we can't name a specific individual, it's fascinating to think about the journey of the English language and the countless people who shaped it over time.