Ancient Languages:
* Latin: The most significant influence on English vocabulary, primarily due to the Roman occupation of Britain and the subsequent adoption of Christianity. Words like "city," "street," "school," "justice," and thousands more come from Latin.
* Greek: Greek words entered English through Latin and later through direct contact with Greek texts and culture. Words like "philosophy," "democracy," "athlete," and "chaos" come from Greek.
* Old Norse: The influence of the Vikings on Anglo-Saxon England brought in words relating to seafaring, warfare, and everyday life. Words like "skull," "knife," "berserk," and "husband" are of Norse origin.
Modern European Languages:
* French: The Norman conquest of England in 1066 resulted in a massive influx of French words, particularly those related to government, law, and culture. Words like "government," "justice," "parliament," and "fashion" come from French.
* German: While English and German are closely related, German has directly contributed words through scientific terminology, music, and other areas. Words like "kindergarten," "wanderlust," "zeitgeist," and "rucksack" come from German.
* Spanish: Due to Spanish colonialism and trade, Spanish words related to food, culture, and geography entered English. Words like "taco," "siesta," "ranch," and "hurricane" come from Spanish.
* Italian: Italy's influence on art, music, and fashion has brought many Italian words into English. Words like "studio," "piano," "opera," and "pizza" come from Italian.
Other Languages:
* Arabic: Arabic words entered English through trade, scientific advancements, and the influence of Islamic culture. Words like "algebra," "alcohol," "coffee," and "zero" come from Arabic.
* Hindi: With the British colonial presence in India, many Hindi words were adopted into English. Words like "curry," "bungalow," "loot," and "avatar" come from Hindi.
* Chinese: Trade and the growing influence of Chinese culture have led to the adoption of many Chinese words, including "kung fu," "typhoon," "tea," and "silk."
* Japanese: With the rise of Japanese technology and pop culture, Japanese words have entered English. Words like "manga," "sushi," "karaoke," and "tsunami" come from Japanese.
This is only a small sample of the many languages that have contributed to the richness and diversity of the English language.
Remember: Language is a constantly evolving entity. As English continues to be spoken and used around the world, it will undoubtedly continue to absorb words and influences from other languages.