Answer to Question #289205 in English for vinayan

Question

describe the history and development of english language for essay answer

Answer 1

Many of you may mistakenly believe that studying an English Language course is only about learning English grammar. While English grammar is important when taking courses to improve one's English, it is only a small part of the overall curriculum in which one is immersed in a history shaped in part by myths, battles, and legends on the one hand, and the everyday workings of its various social classes on the other. With the conquest of Britain in the 5th century, the English language took off in a big way. Three Germanic tribes, the Jutes, Saxons, and Angles, crossed the North Sea in search of new areas to conquer.

It should be emphasized that the English language as we know it now, which we study in various English language classes, was not developed until the residents of Britain spoke various dialects of the Celtic language. The native Britons were driven north and west during the invasion, into what are now known as Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The words England and English come from the Old English phrase Engla-land, which literally means "the land of the Angles," where they spoke the English language. Apart from minor samples of Anglo-Saxon runes, there is no available literature or material addressing this period. Early Old English (7th to 10th Century) — this time contains some of the first documented evidence of the English language, including renowned authors and poets such as Cynewulf and Aldhelm, who were leading players in Anglo-Saxon literature. The Norman invasion of England brought about the final phase of the Old English language, which is known as Late Old English (10th to 11th Century). This period came to an end with the English language evolving into Early Middle English as a result.

During this time period, the English language, and more especially, English grammar, began to evolve, with a focus on syntax. While the British government and rich citizens Anglicised the language, Norman and French influences persisted until the 14th century. It's worth noting that this time period has been linked to the loss of case endings, which eventually led to inflection markers being replaced by more complicated language elements. "A suffix on an inflected noun, pronoun, or adjective that specifies its grammatical function," according to case endings.

The English language grew in popularity during the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire's rise in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. During the Industrial Revolution, developments and discoveries in science and technology necessitated the creation of new words, phrases, and concepts to explain these ideas and innovations. Scientists and intellectuals coined terminology with Greek and Latin roots to describe these works, such as bacteria, histology, nuclear, and biology. You might be surprised to learn that these words were formed, but English language courses, like the one you're taking right now, can teach you a lot of new things.

Colonialism has a two-edged sword attached to it. The adoption of the English language was seen as a method for the nations under the British Empire's dominion to learn, participate, and hopefully gain from "overseas" influence. While scientific and technological advancements were among the benefits that could be given, colonial Britain regarded this as a way to not only teach their language but also to convey their culture and traditions to nations they considered backward, particularly in Africa and Asia. The plan may have backfired because the English language gained a significant number of foreign terms that have now become part of the English language, such as shampoo, candy, and cot, all of which originated in India!

If one were to study various English language courses taught today, one would quickly see that Modern English and Old English have very little in common. The current British Royal Family are wonderful living examples of English grammar refinement (despite the fact that smartphone messaging has made a joke of the English language itself). This has given many people the impression that speaking perfect English is snobbish and arrogant. Consider what you've just read before you scoff. The origins and evolution of a language that literally arose from the ashes of conflicts between fierce civilizations.

Consider what our forefathers and mothers went through, their hardships and sacrifices, and their readiness to give up all to attain freedom of speech and expression. Everything has led up to this moment, where English learners choose to study the language according to their interests, something we take for granted because many of us have instant access to English improvement classes! Perhaps you prefer Shakespeare, or perhaps you prefer John Milton or J.K. Rowling? Whatever you're into, these authors, poets, and playwrights bring more than just words to life on the page. They bring with them a live past that is still evolving today!