* The evolution of language is complex: English has been influenced by countless languages over centuries, making it hard to track the exact origin of each word.
* Words change over time: Words are constantly evolving, taking on new meanings and becoming blended with other languages.
* What counts as "borrowed"? The line between borrowing and independent development of similar words is fuzzy. For example, "brother" is related to the German "bruder" but they may have shared a common ancestor.
However, we can say with certainty that English is heavily influenced by other languages. Here's a general breakdown:
* Latin: A major influence on English vocabulary, contributing words related to law, science, government, religion, and more.
* French: Introduced a large number of words after the Norman Conquest, particularly in areas of government, law, food, and fashion.
* Greek: The source of many scientific and technical terms, as well as words relating to philosophy and art.
* Germanic Languages: English shares a root with German, Dutch, and other Germanic languages, leading to numerous shared words.
* Other Languages: English has also borrowed words from languages like Arabic, Sanskrit, Chinese, and many more.
Instead of focusing on percentages, it's more useful to understand the historical and cultural influences that have shaped the English language. This diverse background makes English a rich and flexible language, capable of expressing a wide range of ideas and concepts.