Old English (449-1150 AD):
* Anglo-Saxon (Germanic): The foundation of English, with a vocabulary focused on everyday life, nature, and basic concepts. Words like "bread," "house," "water," and "love" have roots in Old English.
Middle English (1150-1485 AD):
* Norman French (Romance): Following the Norman Conquest of England, French influence became prominent, adding words related to government, law, food, and fashion. Examples include "justice," "parliament," "beef," and "fashion."
* Latin (Romance): Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, had already been influencing English before this period, and its influence grew during the Middle Ages through Church and education. Words like "nation," "religion," and "history" are Latin in origin.
Early Modern English (1485-1700 AD):
* Renaissance and Reformation: This period saw renewed interest in classical languages like Latin and Greek, adding vocabulary related to art, science, and philosophy. Words like "Renaissance," "philosophy," and "atom" came into English during this period.
* Expansion of Trade and Exploration: The English language began to pick up words from languages around the world, including Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and others. This led to words like "alligator," "tobacco," and "banana" entering the language.
Modern English (1700-Present):
* Continued Influence: English continues to borrow words from various languages, especially those associated with technology, science, and popular culture. Words like "internet," "sushi," and "karaoke" are examples.
Key Takeaway:
English is a constantly evolving language, and its vocabulary is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of various languages and cultures. Understanding these influences helps us appreciate the complexity and diversity of the English language.