1. Roots in Old English:
* The foundation of English is Old English, spoken in England from the 5th to 12th centuries. It was a Germanic language with significant influence from Norse (due to Viking raids).
* This period saw the development of various dialects, with no single "standard" form.
2. Norman Conquest (1066):
* The Norman invasion brought French, a Romance language, into England. This caused significant changes in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
* English became a language spoken mainly by the lower classes, while French was used by the ruling elite.
3. Middle English (1150-1500):
* This period saw the blending of Old English and Norman French.
* The rise of the merchant class led to the development of a more standardized form of English.
* London, as a major center of commerce and power, started to establish itself as a focal point for the language.
4. Early Modern English (1500-1800):
* The printing press played a crucial role in standardizing English. Early printers adopted certain spelling and grammatical conventions, which became widespread.
* The Renaissance and Reformation brought new words and ideas, enriching the language.
* The rise of England as a global power led to the spread of English to colonies around the world.
5. Standard English Emerges:
* By the 18th century, a "standard" form of English was emerging, based on the language used in London and by educated speakers.
* This standard was heavily influenced by the writings of authors like Shakespeare and Samuel Johnson, who set the norms for grammar, vocabulary, and usage.
* Grammarians and lexicographers played a significant role in codifying and promoting the standard.
6. Modern Standard English:
* Today, Standard English is the prestige variety, used in formal contexts, education, and media.
* It is still evolving, influenced by new technologies, social changes, and the continued use of other dialects.
Key Points:
* Standard English is not inherently superior to other dialects, but rather a historical and social construct.
* It is a constantly evolving language, influenced by factors like migration, globalization, and technology.
* While Standard English is widely used, it is important to recognize the value and diversity of other English dialects.
It's worth noting that "Standard English" is a fluid and contested term, and the details of its history can be debated. However, the general process outlined above provides a good understanding of how this prestigious form of English came to be.