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Introduction

How and why did the English language develop between 500BC and Chaucer's time The English language has many words in which originate from different languages. Numerous words in our 'Modern English' are from foreign languages that are from countries that previously invaded England. Our language has been changing throughout the ages and 'Modern English' is the finished product. There are still 'slang' words developing, and many people are becoming more inclined to speak 'slang'. In 500 B.C the Celts invaded England. Their language (Celtic) has influenced Scottish, Gaelic and Irish. In 449 A.D Teutonic tribes forced the majority of the Celts out of England into Wales and Cornwall. Julius Caesar and his strong Roman army invaded England in 55 B.C. ...read more.

Middle

The language they created was Anglo-Saxon or Old English. It was closely related to Old High German, Frisian, and Scandinavian. By the end of the 6th century the Anglo-Saxons came to be called the 'Angles' or the 'Engles'. Old English was 'Englisc' and England was called 'Engaland'. 'Engaland' and 'Englisc' eventually formed into England and English. Anglo Saxon English twa two siex or syx six Solmonath February hundred hundred fif hundred �reo ond twentig five hundred and twenty-three hw�r where hlaf bread (loaf) cese cheese scyld shield reod red geolu yellow Geola January wifman woman dohtor daughter sunu son hors horse There are quite a few differences between Modern English and Old English. For example in Old English there are different letters in Old English such as '�' and '�', which are pronounced as 'th'. ...read more.

Conclusion

In modern English it is translated as, 'thy will be done on earth as it is on heaven.' As well as the differences there are also some similarities in Old and Modern English. There are many recognisable words in Old English e.g. faeder can easily be seen as father, as is of, willa, is will, tod�g as today and nama as name. Robert of Gloucester's extract quotes that higher class men would have spoken French, since you would have been thought very highly of if you spoke French. The higher classes would teach their children French. The lower classes were very proud of their language and continued speaking Old English. The French gave us a great influence in our language, particularly in Government, Law and the Church. English consists of many languages. There have been many influences on English starting from 500 B.C and there are still influences on our language developing. ...read more.

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