Here's a simplified breakdown:
* Old English (449-1150 AD): This was the language of the Anglo-Saxons, heavily influenced by Germanic roots.
* Middle English (1150-1485 AD): The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought in French influence, significantly changing the language's structure and vocabulary.
* Early Modern English (1485-1660 AD): The Renaissance and the printing press sparked a standardization of the language, and the Great Vowel Shift occurred, altering pronunciations.
* Modern English (1660-present): This period saw ongoing globalization, scientific advancements, and the widespread use of English in literature, trade, and science.
It's important to note that:
* No single inventor: There wasn't one person who sat down and designed Modern English. It was a gradual process of change and adaptation.
* Ongoing evolution: Even today, Modern English continues to evolve with new words, slang, and dialects.
While we can't pinpoint one inventor, we can celebrate the countless individuals and influences that have shaped this language into what it is today.