History of english language

History of the English Language

  • 401

    Anglo Saxon

    Anglo Saxon
    During this period, the English language was solely used for everyday words. Words like house, woman, loaf, and wolf were commonly used, and because of Vikings, words like give, take, die, and thrust were brought into the world during this time period. Overall, 2,000 words were introduced.
  • Oct 14, 1066

    The Norman Conquest

    The Norman Conquest
    During this time period after a Norman invasion, the French language was brought to England by soldiers. Words like judge, jury, and evidence were introduced around this time. By the end of the Hundred Years' War, 10,000 new words arose, and English took over.
  • Shakespeare

    Shakespeare
    During this time period, England was under the reign of Elizabeth I, also known as the Elizabethan Era. During this time, England flourished. Along with the Golden Age of Elizabeth, Shakespeare himself single handedly invented 2,000, while showing English's rich and vibrant characteristics.
  • The King James Bible

    The King James Bible
    During this time period, The King James Bible was published, and consequently, English became the language of religion. Due to the lard scale spread of the Bible and the extensive metaphors and figurative language found in the bible, English became a well known and glorified language.
  • The Age of the Dictionary

    The Age of the Dictionary
    During this time period, Samuel Johnson published A Dictionary of the English Language, which was a dictionary that contained a staggering 40,000 words. This, along with, shortly after, other dictionaries brought an availability to learning word meanings and spellings in a much easier way.
  • Internet English

    Internet English
    Somewhere during the 21st century and possibly earlier times near present day, internet English became a thing. Over time, the language has been changed and modified through abbreviations and even slang over the internet. With lightning fast speed, information was transported nearly instantly online, which lead to the worldwide spread of English all over the globe. Now, English is used commonly in a modified form more suitable for everyday conversing.