Here's a simplified breakdown of the major influences:
* Old English (449-1066): Based on the language of Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) who invaded Britain, with influence from Latin and Norse (Viking) languages.
* Middle English (1066-1485): Following the Norman conquest, French became a dominant language, merging with Old English to create a new hybrid.
* Early Modern English (1485-1800): The printing press and increased literacy helped standardize the language, and the Renaissance saw a large influx of vocabulary from Greek and Latin.
* Modern English (1800-present): Continued evolution with global expansion, technology, and cultural shifts influencing vocabulary and usage.
So, while there was no single inventor, the contributions of countless people over time shaped English into the language we know today.