Early Stages (5th - 11th centuries):
* Old English (c. 450 - 1150): This period saw the arrival of Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) in Britain, bringing their languages with them. These languages blended with the existing Celtic languages to form Old English, the language of Beowulf and other early works.
* Influence of Latin: The Roman influence on Britain left its mark on vocabulary, with Latin words entering the language.
Middle English (c. 1150 - 1500):
* Norman Conquest (1066): The Norman invasion brought a significant influx of French words and grammatical structures, making the language more complex and adding to its richness.
* Development of a Standard: The language became more standardized during this period, with writers like Chaucer using Middle English to craft major literary works.
Modern English (c. 1500 - present):
* The Renaissance: The Renaissance sparked a renewed interest in classical languages, further influencing English vocabulary.
* The Printing Press: The invention of the printing press standardized spelling and grammar, making English more accessible to a wider audience.
* Global Influence: As the British Empire expanded, English spread across the globe, absorbing words from other languages.
So, is there a specific date for the birth of English?
No, there isn't. English is a constantly evolving language, with its roots in a complex mix of influences. We can trace its development through various stages, but its "birth" is a gradual process rather than a single event.