* Angles: The Angles, along with the Saxons, were the most influential in shaping Old English. They settled in the eastern and northern regions of England, giving their name to the country itself (Angle-land).
* Saxons: The Saxons, along with the Angles, were the other major contributors to Old English. They settled in the south and central parts of England.
* Jutes: The Jutes settled in Kent and the Isle of Wight, contributing less significantly to Old English than the Angles and Saxons.
These Germanic tribes brought their own languages, which eventually merged and evolved into Old English, the ancestor of modern English.
It's important to note that the language wasn't solely shaped by Germanic roots.
* Latin: Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, left its mark on Old English through words related to religion, law, and government.
* Norse: After the Viking invasions in the 9th and 10th centuries, Old Norse significantly influenced Old English, contributing words related to warfare, navigation, and everyday life.
These contributions from different languages continue to shape the vocabulary and structure of modern English.