The History of the English Language

The History of the The History of the English LanguageEnglish Languagehttp://www.slmc.uottawa.ca/?q=english_history#s1

What is Indo European?What is Indo European?()()

The largest English language family from which The largest English language family from which most languages originated;most languages originated;

It was NEVER written or recorded;It was NEVER written or recorded; It was spoken over 5000 years ago by tribes It was spoken over 5000 years ago by tribes

who wandered through areas stretching from who wandered through areas stretching from Europe to India; Europe to India; The ultimate origins of English The ultimate origins of English lie in Indo-European, a family of languages lie in Indo-European, a family of languages consisting of most of the languages of Europe consisting of most of the languages of Europe as well as those of Iran, the Indian as well as those of Iran, the Indian subcontinent, and other parts of Asia. subcontinent, and other parts of Asia.

Over time, many tribes migrated to other parts Over time, many tribes migrated to other parts of the world, leaving behind the original of the world, leaving behind the original language and developing our current languagelanguage and developing our current language

Result of this migration? Many different Result of this migration? Many different dialects…dialects…

What is Germanic ?What is Germanic ?()()

Original Indo-European language Original Indo-European language speakers;speakers;

Several dialects developed from this Several dialects developed from this language, one of which eventually language, one of which eventually became the English languagebecame the English language

Old English – 450-1100Old English – 450-1100

Before the first century B.C.E. (Before the first century B.C.E. (Before the Common EraBefore the Common Era) ) England was inhabited by the England was inhabited by the CeltsCelts (few words remain from (few words remain from the Celts- mostly place names: Kent, Cumberland, Thames)the Celts- mostly place names: Kent, Cumberland, Thames)

Caesar invaded parts of England in 55 BCE Caesar invaded parts of England in 55 BCE why?why? Romans invaded again in Romans invaded again in 43 AD 43 AD and settled – controlled and settled – controlled

England for more than 400 years, but never fully controlled England for more than 400 years, but never fully controlled the Celtsthe Celts

410 The 410 The GothsGoths (speakers of a now extinct East Germanic (speakers of a now extinct East Germanic language) sack Rome. The first Germanic tribes arrive in language) sack Rome. The first Germanic tribes arrive in Britain. Gothic is the language of the earliest literary Britain. Gothic is the language of the earliest literary documents of the Germanic peoples as a whole. The only documents of the Germanic peoples as a whole. The only linguistic remnants of Germanic peoples which antedate linguistic remnants of Germanic peoples which antedate Gothic remains are some of the Runic inscriptions Gothic remains are some of the Runic inscriptions

Early 5th century With the collapse of the empire, Romans Early 5th century With the collapse of the empire, Romans withdraw from Britain but then Britons are attacked by withdraw from Britain but then Britons are attacked by the Picts and by Scots. Angles, Saxons, and other the Picts and by Scots. Angles, Saxons, and other Germanic settlers arrive in Britain to assist the Britons Germanic settlers arrive in Britain to assist the Britons and claim territory….and claim territory….but they turn against their alliesbut they turn against their allies

5th-6th centuries Germanic peoples (Angles, Saxons, 5th-6th centuries Germanic peoples (Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Frisians) speaking West Germanic Jutes, Frisians) speaking West Germanic dialectsdialects settle settle most of Britain. Celts retreat to distant areas of Britain: most of Britain. Celts retreat to distant areas of Britain: Ireland, Scotland, Wales(on northwest coast of France)Ireland, Scotland, Wales(on northwest coast of France)

Roman, Celtic, and Christian culture displaced from Roman, Celtic, and Christian culture displaced from England.England.

Old English – 450-1100Old English – 450-1100Germanic Invasions of England zachGermanic Invasions of England zach

Anglo Saxon or Old English language is the result of these Germanic invasions.

Angelcynn?? Angelcynn??

Anglo-Saxons were in control of Britain by Anglo-Saxons were in control of Britain by sixth century; land renamed "England" sixth century; land renamed "England" (i.e. Angle-lond > Engla-lond, "land of the (i.e. Angle-lond > Engla-lond, "land of the Angles"), and the people "English" (i.e. Angles"), and the people "English" (i.e. Angles > Anglisc)Angles > Anglisc)

The name England comes from Angles – The name England comes from Angles – people were called ‘Angelcynn’ (people people were called ‘Angelcynn’ (people of the angels) which then became of the angels) which then became Englaland (land of the angels). Englaland (land of the angels).

Words still existing form this period Words still existing form this period include house, woman, farm, man and include house, woman, farm, man and love.love.

What is Beowulf?What is Beowulf?

The Old English language was mostly The Old English language was mostly spoken, but it did have highly developed spoken, but it did have highly developed poetry and prose; the most famous of poetry and prose; the most famous of course, being the epic ballad of: BEOWULFcourse, being the epic ballad of: BEOWULF

Beowulf: the earliest known recorded Beowulf: the earliest known recorded (written around 8th century) epic ballad. (written around 8th century) epic ballad. Since the poem takes place in Scandinavia, Since the poem takes place in Scandinavia, it provides some information about customs it provides some information about customs and traditions of the people of this time and and traditions of the people of this time and place:place:

http://faculty.virginia.edu/OldEnglish/http://faculty.virginia.edu/OldEnglish/Beowulf.Readings/Prologue.htmlBeowulf.Readings/Prologue.html

Beowulf- not on handoutBeowulf- not on handout Unknown date of composition (roughly 8Unknown date of composition (roughly 8thth--

1111thth Century CE) Century CE) around 700 A.D. around 700 A.D. The story had been in circulation as an The story had been in circulation as an

oral narrative for many years before it was oral narrative for many years before it was written.written.

The action of the poem takes place around The action of the poem takes place around 500 AD500 AD

Poet is reviving the heroic language, style Poet is reviving the heroic language, style and values and pagan values of ancient and values and pagan values of ancient Germanic oral poetryGermanic oral poetry

Unknown author; possibly one Christian Unknown author; possibly one Christian author in Anglo-Saxon Englandauthor in Anglo-Saxon England

Beowulf cont….Beowulf cont…. Only a single Only a single

manuscript of the manuscript of the poem survived the poem survived the Anglo-Saxon era. In Anglo-Saxon era. In the 1700’s it was the 1700’s it was nearly destroyed in a nearly destroyed in a firefire

It was not until 1936 It was not until 1936 when the Oxford when the Oxford scholar J.R.R Tolkien scholar J.R.R Tolkien published a paper on published a paper on the poem that it the poem that it became popular.became popular.

Anglo-Saxon Futhorc Anglo-Saxon Futhorc

Old English / Anglo-Saxon was Old English / Anglo-Saxon was sometimes written with a version of sometimes written with a version of the Runic alphabet, brought to Britain the Runic alphabet, brought to Britain by the Anglo-Saxons until about the by the Anglo-Saxons until about the 11th century (1OOO’S). 11th century (1OOO’S).

Runic inscriptions are mostly found on Runic inscriptions are mostly found on jewellery, weapons, stones and other jewellery, weapons, stones and other objects. Very few examples of Runic objects. Very few examples of Runic writing on manuscripts have survived. writing on manuscripts have survived.

These symbols could represent These symbols could represent both both sounds and ideassounds and ideas

Old English Language-Old English Language-

Only 1/5th of the modern English Only 1/5th of the modern English vocabulary is derived from Old vocabulary is derived from Old English; English;

The vocabulary, spelling and The vocabulary, spelling and grammar were all different at this grammar were all different at this time.time.

Old English alphabet:Old English alphabet:

http://www.omniglot.com/writing/oldenglish.htmhttp://www.omniglot.com/writing/oldenglish.htm

Take particular note of these features in the Take particular note of these features in the Old English Alphabet (not on your handout):Old English Alphabet (not on your handout): the rounded shape of the rounded shape of dd; ; the the ff that extends below the baseline instead of that extends below the baseline instead of

sitting on top of it; sitting on top of it; the dotless the dotless ii; ; the the rr that extends below the baseline; that extends below the baseline; the three shapes of the three shapes of ss, of which the first two (the , of which the first two (the

Insular long Insular long ss and the high and the high ss,) are most common; ,) are most common; the the tt that does not extend above the cross- that does not extend above the cross-

stroke; stroke; the the ƿƿ ("wynn"), usually transliterated as ("wynn"), usually transliterated as ww the the yy, usually dotted, which comes in several , usually dotted, which comes in several

different shapes.different shapes.

Any idea what this might say?Any idea what this might say?

I thank the almighty Creator with all my heart that he has granted to me, a sinful one, that I have, in praise and worship of him, revealed these two books to the unlearned English nation; the learned have no need of these books because their own learning can suffice for them.

More developmentMore development

In the year 597, In the year 597, St AugustineSt Augustine and his monks and his monks arrived, introducing Latin words because arrived, introducing Latin words because monks were converting the English to monks were converting the English to Christianity (which was largely recorded in Christianity (which was largely recorded in Latin). Therefore, most of the words Latin). Therefore, most of the words remaining from this time are associated remaining from this time are associated with religion: with religion:

candle, candle, angel, angel, wine, etc.wine, etc.

More developmentMore development

In the eight and ninth centuries, In the eight and ninth centuries, the Vikingsthe Vikings invaded Britain. Danish Kings invaded Britain. Danish Kings actually held the British throne for 25 actually held the British throne for 25 years! years!

When Vikings (who spoke Old Norse) started to When Vikings (who spoke Old Norse) started to marry Anglo-Saxons, their Old Norse language marry Anglo-Saxons, their Old Norse language was mostly was mostly droppped and they began to speak droppped and they began to speak the language of the Anglo-Saxons.the language of the Anglo-Saxons.

some of the Norse words remain to this some of the Norse words remain to this day–sky, egg, cake, get, give, dieday–sky, egg, cake, get, give, die

Defining Characteristics of Old EnglishDefining Characteristics of Old English

http://pages.towson.edu/duncan/IELanguageTree.http://pages.towson.edu/duncan/IELanguageTree.htmhtm

Old English contained many inflections which are Old English contained many inflections which are word endings or additions for verbs, nouns + word endings or additions for verbs, nouns + adjectives that indicate grammatical relationships adjectives that indicate grammatical relationships (verb tense, person, gender, number or case…(verb tense, person, gender, number or case…similar to French) (drinken instead of drink, eaten similar to French) (drinken instead of drink, eaten instead of eat)instead of eat)

When people began to read and write the When people began to read and write the language, they borrowed the Roman alphabet language, they borrowed the Roman alphabet and spelled words phonetically.and spelled words phonetically.

Borrowings in Old English Borrowings in Old English This whole issue of word origins is very This whole issue of word origins is very

difficult as Latin, the Germanic difficult as Latin, the Germanic tongues, Old English (derived from tongues, Old English (derived from Germanic), and the Celtic tongues are Germanic), and the Celtic tongues are all ultimately derived from a common all ultimately derived from a common Indo-European root, and are cognates Indo-European root, and are cognates (related). This can easily be (related). This can easily be demonstrated by looking (for example) demonstrated by looking (for example) at the words at the words I, me, is, brother, tenI, me, is, brother, ten. .

English I me is mother English I me is mother brother ten brother ten

Sanskrit aham ma asti matar bhratar dacaSanskrit aham ma asti matar bhratar daca Iranian azem me asti matar bratar dasaIranian azem me asti matar bratar dasa Greek ego me esti meter phrater dekaGreek ego me esti meter phrater deka Latin ego me est mater frater decemLatin ego me est mater frater decem Old English ic me is moder brothor tienOld English ic me is moder brothor tien Old Irish me is mathir brathir deichOld Irish me is mathir brathir deich Lithuanian asz mi esti mote broterelis deszimtisLithuanian asz mi esti mote broterelis deszimtis Russian ia menya jest' mat' brat' desiat' Russian ia menya jest' mat' brat' desiat'

MAJOR CHANGES FROM MAJOR CHANGES FROM OE TO ME:OE TO ME:

OE symbols such as the letter "ð", are OE symbols such as the letter "ð", are gonegone

Alphabet looks more like the modern oneAlphabet looks more like the modern one Endings that showed word relationships Endings that showed word relationships

are gone (eatare gone (eatenen, drinc, drincanan)) Word order is more like Present Day Word order is more like Present Day

EnglishEnglish Plenty of new words with French originPlenty of new words with French origin

Middle EnglishMiddle EnglishDefining characteristicsDefining characteristics

1100-14501100-1450 popular traditions are being recorded (eg the ballad)popular traditions are being recorded (eg the ballad) beginnings of recorded drama – usually based on morality beginnings of recorded drama – usually based on morality

plays, or ‘miracle’ playsplays, or ‘miracle’ plays Courtly tradition – imitate the Italians and the French! – Courtly tradition – imitate the Italians and the French! –

romance is all the rage…romance is all the rage… French influence on language – to be anyone, you have to French influence on language – to be anyone, you have to

speak French…speak French… Geoffrey ChaucerGeoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales The Canterbury Tales Chaucer intro Chaucer intro

videovideohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxqAwT5IpL8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxqAwT5IpL8 First complete translation of the BibleFirst complete translation of the Bible Thomas Malory Thomas Malory Le Morte DarthurLe Morte Darthur -qualities of chivalry, -qualities of chivalry,

romance = the perfect knight and gentlemanromance = the perfect knight and gentleman

Middle English cont….Middle English cont…. THE NORMANS INVADE ENGLAND!!! (Speaking French)THE NORMANS INVADE ENGLAND!!! (Speaking French) 1066, William the Conqueror from Normandy successfully 1066, William the Conqueror from Normandy successfully

invades England.invades England. Top levels of English-speaking political and ecclesiastical Top levels of English-speaking political and ecclesiastical

hierarchies were removedhierarchies were removed This was the greatest historical influence on the Middle This was the greatest historical influence on the Middle

English language.English language.

Results:Results:

For 2 centuries, French was the official language of For 2 centuries, French was the official language of England.England.

By the end of the fourteenth century, English was once By the end of the fourteenth century, English was once again the language of England, but it had changed again the language of England, but it had changed drastically.drastically.

Middle English cont….Middle English cont…. English was still spoken by the natives, while French was spoken by English was still spoken by the natives, while French was spoken by

the upper classes and the courts.the upper classes and the courts. As a result, many French words became part of the Middle English As a result, many French words became part of the Middle English

every day language…every day language…10 00010 000 words were added to the English words were added to the English language from the Normans.language from the Normans.

Since the Normans were the rulers, most words had to do with that Since the Normans were the rulers, most words had to do with that authority, (castle, prison, court)authority, (castle, prison, court)

This is why many times our current language has two entirely This is why many times our current language has two entirely different words which mean the exact same thing – one word is of different words which mean the exact same thing – one word is of OE origin, while the other is of Norman origin:OE origin, while the other is of Norman origin:

OEOE FrenchFrench SmellSmell OdourOdour AskAsk RequestRequest YearlyYearly AnnualAnnual Most words with only one syllable have an Old English origin Most words with only one syllable have an Old English origin

because the ‘language of the masses’ came to be English. More because the ‘language of the masses’ came to be English. More complicated words of two syllables or more were used primarily by complicated words of two syllables or more were used primarily by the upper classes and usually had French or Latin origins, but the upper classes and usually had French or Latin origins, but common words used by the masses had only one syllable.common words used by the masses had only one syllable.

Medieval Religious PilgrimmagesMedieval Religious Pilgrimmages Pilgrimages are nothing new. For thousands of years, people have Pilgrimages are nothing new. For thousands of years, people have

travelled to various religious sites for different reasons. However, travelled to various religious sites for different reasons. However, there was never a more popular time for religious pilgrimages there was never a more popular time for religious pilgrimages than during the Middle Ages.than during the Middle Ages.

In medieval times, people made long trips to visit the relics or In medieval times, people made long trips to visit the relics or resting places of revered saints. Many of these journeys, to far resting places of revered saints. Many of these journeys, to far away places such as Jerusalem or Rome, could take months and away places such as Jerusalem or Rome, could take months and often, the travellers never returned, such were the risks of often, the travellers never returned, such were the risks of travelling to an unknown destination.travelling to an unknown destination.

Why did medieval people go on pilgrimage? Obviously, for the Why did medieval people go on pilgrimage? Obviously, for the majority of people, there were religious reasons for their trip. majority of people, there were religious reasons for their trip. Many believed their successful journey to a chosen shrine would Many believed their successful journey to a chosen shrine would secure them a place in heaven.secure them a place in heaven.

Others, like some modern-day pilgrims, sought a cure from illness Others, like some modern-day pilgrims, sought a cure from illness or, failing that, personal peace and solace. And some went to a or, failing that, personal peace and solace. And some went to a shrine as an act of thanksgiving or atonement, or to make a shrine as an act of thanksgiving or atonement, or to make a special request of the saint associated with the site. A pilgrimage special request of the saint associated with the site. A pilgrimage could also be imposed by a member of the clergy, in order to could also be imposed by a member of the clergy, in order to punish a penitent.punish a penitent.

A pilgrimage was often one of the only chances for people from all A pilgrimage was often one of the only chances for people from all walks of life to really associate with each other. walks of life to really associate with each other.

MODERN RELIGIOUS RELICS?MODERN RELIGIOUS RELICS?

top 10: http://www.youtube.com/watch?top 10: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKCx7ZZko-wv=TKCx7ZZko-w

weeping mary, Ontario: weeping mary, Ontario: http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSpJ8kVpAF0v=DSpJ8kVpAF0

how to: how to: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_stat.http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_stat.htmhtm

Modern English Modern English 1450 – Onwards1450 – Onwards

WHO IS WILLIAM CAXTON? -WHO IS WILLIAM CAXTON? -

Caxton was the first English printer and a translator and Caxton was the first English printer and a translator and importer of books into Englandimporter of books into England

In the early 1470s Caxton spent time in Cologne learning In the early 1470s Caxton spent time in Cologne learning the art of printing. He returned to Bruges in 1472 where he the art of printing. He returned to Bruges in 1472 where he and Colard Mansion, a Flemish calligrapher, set up a press.and Colard Mansion, a Flemish calligrapher, set up a press.

In 1476 Caxton returned to London and established a press In 1476 Caxton returned to London and established a press at Westminster, the first printing press in England. Amongst at Westminster, the first printing press in England. Amongst the books he printed were Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', the books he printed were Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', Gower's 'Confession Amantis' and Malory's 'Le Morte Gower's 'Confession Amantis' and Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur'. He printed more than 100 books in his lifetime d'Arthur'. He printed more than 100 books in his lifetime

Modern EnglishModern English

When Henry Tudor took the British throne, the modern age When Henry Tudor took the British throne, the modern age began. He and Elizabeth I began England’s first began. He and Elizabeth I began England’s first explorations, resulting in the empire-building of England, explorations, resulting in the empire-building of England, and of course, the spread of the English Language.and of course, the spread of the English Language.

Eventually, words were added to the English Language from Eventually, words were added to the English Language from these mass explorations and empire building. Most words these mass explorations and empire building. Most words had to do with trade, exploration and colonization.had to do with trade, exploration and colonization.

IE: IE: Tea (from China)Tea (from China) Bungalow, cot (from India) Bungalow, cot (from India) Tomato, chocolate (from Central and South America)Tomato, chocolate (from Central and South America) Hurricane (from the Caribbean)Hurricane (from the Caribbean)

Renaissance Renaissance 1485-16601485-1660

-time of great achievements/advancements, a ‘rebirth’ or -time of great achievements/advancements, a ‘rebirth’ or flowering of interest in academiaflowering of interest in academia

the power of literature, of the written word itself, is the power of literature, of the written word itself, is discovered, and flourishesdiscovered, and flourishes

-the printing press – a revolutionary invention – and its -the printing press – a revolutionary invention – and its effect on spelling, literature, even the spoken languageeffect on spelling, literature, even the spoken language

William Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, John MiltonWilliam Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, John Milton -struggles in religion – Reformation and the division of the -struggles in religion – Reformation and the division of the

Roman Catholic Church Roman Catholic Church -the flowering of the poetic form, the sonnet-the flowering of the poetic form, the sonnet bringing “mysteries” within the knowledge and grasp of all bringing “mysteries” within the knowledge and grasp of all

people – the possibilities seem endless!people – the possibilities seem endless!

EnlightenmentEnlightenment 1660-17801660-1780 ““the irregular combinations of fanciful invention may delight the irregular combinations of fanciful invention may delight

awhile, but the pleasures of sudden wonder are soon exhausted, awhile, but the pleasures of sudden wonder are soon exhausted, and the mind can only repose on the stability of the and the mind can only repose on the stability of the

truth” Samuel Johnson truth” Samuel Johnson Alexander Pope, Jonathan SwiftAlexander Pope, Jonathan Swift , John Dryden , John Dryden Science Rules! Truth and Logic Forever!Science Rules! Truth and Logic Forever! Knowledge and Learning are seen as the greatest source of order, Knowledge and Learning are seen as the greatest source of order,

the epitomy of civilized behaviour.the epitomy of civilized behaviour. Enlightened people = free from ignorance and superstitionEnlightened people = free from ignorance and superstition Believed most problems in human existence could be solved by Believed most problems in human existence could be solved by

reason, and by learningreason, and by learning Beginning of rules of grammar - 1st dictionary is developed/written Beginning of rules of grammar - 1st dictionary is developed/written

by Samuel Johnsonby Samuel Johnson Spoken and written English are now seen as having certain Spoken and written English are now seen as having certain

standards of correctnessstandards of correctness ““the faculty of the imagination is supported/enriched by the the faculty of the imagination is supported/enriched by the

faculty of judgement”faculty of judgement” growing/rising middle class who want to acquire the trappings of growing/rising middle class who want to acquire the trappings of

‘correctness’ and feel they need to know the ‘rules’ of speaking, ‘correctness’ and feel they need to know the ‘rules’ of speaking, writing correctlywriting correctly

Mrs. Malaprop – “malapropism”Mrs. Malaprop – “malapropism” New orderliness in society – post office, newspapers, banks, New orderliness in society – post office, newspapers, banks,

growing bureaucracy, etc.growing bureaucracy, etc.

The Romantic period 1780-1830 ()The Romantic period 1780-1830 ()

““the faculty of imagination takes over the power of the faculty of imagination takes over the power of judgement”judgement”

wild, extravagant, visionary, fanciful, idealized, sentimental, wild, extravagant, visionary, fanciful, idealized, sentimental, fantastical, grandeur, picturesque…fantastical, grandeur, picturesque…

looked at nature with a new sensitivity, freshnesslooked at nature with a new sensitivity, freshness William Wordsworth, John Keats, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, John Keats, Samuel Taylor Coleridge,

Jane Austen, Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyJane Austen, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley The individual perception of truth is what mattersThe individual perception of truth is what matters Writer’s sense of closeness to the subject, revealed by the Writer’s sense of closeness to the subject, revealed by the

power of his/her imaginationpower of his/her imagination Dreams of freedom – REVOLUTION – emancipation, liberty, Dreams of freedom – REVOLUTION – emancipation, liberty,

equality…equality… New impulses in thought and expression – feeling of New impulses in thought and expression – feeling of

freedom and “brotherhood of all men”freedom and “brotherhood of all men” Way too prolific use of the word “soul” in poetry!Way too prolific use of the word “soul” in poetry!