LANGUAGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in Language

The English language over time...

The English language is used by more then 450 million people in almost every place around the world.The history of the English language can be divided into three main periods, Old English, Middle English, and Modern English.

Old English
Around 500 C.E., three Germatic tribes, the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes, invaded Britian. Through their influence the local peoples developed a language which is today known as Old English. While Christianity spread during the 500's and 600's, many latin words (the language used by Cathlolosism) were added to the language and later, Scandinavian words were added due to their invasion of England.

Middle English
England was conquered by the Normands in 1066. Under the new power, Old English was no longer considered the offical language of the area. It was instead, Normand French. However, the common people continued to speak English, but incorporated thousands of French words.This new French influenced English was called Middle English and was spoken between 1200 and 1600.

Modern English
During the Renaissance period of the 1500's, many people became intrested in classic arts. Because of this, many Greek and even more latin words were added to the language. Also, through travel and trade, many words from foreign lands added to the language.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunshine State Standards 6-8

Language Arts/Language

Standard 1: The student understands the nature of language (LA.D.1.3).

Objective 4: Understands that languages change over time.


Amusement Park Activity

A Land of Many Tongues-
How many languages can you hear people speaking at an amusment park? Can you figure out if English has influenced any of them?

 

Brainstorming Fun

Did you know...In Old English,
thrill menat pierce and silly meant
blessed or innocent?

Vocabulary

Olld English - English from the
beginning of the 8th century
a.k.a. Anglo-Saxon

Middle English - English from
the 12th century to the 15th
century; differs from Old English
by a tendency to weaken
unaccented syllables

Modern English- English since
the early 16th century

Links

English and it's History-
a brief history of the English
language

The History of English-
from Rome to 20th century
America