Who first invented the English language?

It's important to understand that the English language didn't have a single inventor. It evolved over centuries, influenced by many factors and people.

Here's a simplified breakdown of its history:

* Old English (449-1150 AD): Anglo-Saxon tribes brought their Germanic languages to Britain, forming the foundation of English.

* Middle English (1150-1485 AD): The Norman Conquest brought French influences, leading to a blending of languages and the emergence of Middle English.

* Early Modern English (1485-1660 AD): The Renaissance saw the standardization of English spelling and grammar, along with the influence of Latin and Greek.

* Modern English (1660-present): The period since the 17th century saw English spread globally due to colonialism and globalization, resulting in the diverse forms of English we know today.

So, while individuals like Geoffrey Chaucer (who wrote in Middle English) and William Shakespeare (who popularized Early Modern English) had a significant impact on the development of the language, it was a collective effort spanning centuries and cultures.

It's more accurate to say English evolved rather than being invented by a single person.