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400
Germanic Invaders
The Angles bring their language (Englisc) to the British Isles, where most of the people already spoke only Celtic languages. (Image credit: Swanbourne's History) -
450
Old English
The mix of languages in the British Isles brings forth Old English, which would be virtually unrecognizable to us today. Nevertheless, many words in our language are derived from roots here. (Image credit: Sample of "Beowulf" by Omniglot) -
613
The Beginnings of Islam
The prophet Muhammed begins his work in Mecca, leading to the formation of the Islamic religion. (Image credit: Great Mosque of Mecca, c/o Encyclopedia Brittannica) -
711
Muslim Conquest of Spain
Moors begin their sieges of Spain. Arabic languages brought to Europe have a clear and heavy influence on Modern English as we know it. (Image credit: Alhambra, Grenada, Spain, c/o Alhambra Tours) -
1000
"Beowulf" Is Written
The oldest surviving copy of the epic is from circa 1000, though the story could possibly be much older. (Image credit: Bob Mayer) -
1066
William the Conqueror
William the Conqueror (French) invaded England and brought with him his own language. This mix of French and Old English led to the development of Middle English, which would still be difficult for us to understand. (Image credit: Horrible Histories) -
1350
"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is published
This example of poetry, written in Middle English in the 14th century, is an Arthurian romance typical of the time. (Image credit: Medievalists) -
1377
Moveable Type in Korea
Koreans start to use an early form of the printing press by metal moving pieces in around the 13th century. (Image credit: Buddhist teachings printed in 1377, c/o Wikipedia) -
1440
Printing Press
Johannes Gutenberg developed the printing press, arguably the most important invention in the world, in the mid-15th century, which allowed for the widespread and quick publication of books. (Image credit: The History Guide) -
1476
"The Canterbury Tales" is published
Chaucer's work on this collection spans from 1387 to 1400, though it was not published fully until a much later date. (Image credit: Google Play Books) -
1480
Great Vowel Shift
During the 15th century, a very distinct change in pronunciation occurred. Vowels were considered shorter and sharper, which contributed to the advent of Early Modern English. (Image credit: History of English) -
1492
European Discovery of America
Christopher Columbus 'discovers' America for the Spanish. (Image credit: Sebastiano del Piombo, 1519, c/o Metropolitan Museum of Art) -
Founding of Jamestown
The first permanent American colony is founded. From this point on, 'American' English starts to differ from the Queen's. Native American languages and culture would shape English, adding words such as raccoon, bayou, and squash. (Image credit: The History Junkies) -
Shakespeare's First Publication
The first collection of Shakespeare's work was published in 1623, also known as the First Folio. (Image credit: Buddenbrooks) -
American Revolution
The American colonies declare independence from Britain. (Image credit: Gilbert Stuart, 1796, c/o Metropolitan Museum of Art) -
Period: to
Mexican-American War
America's landgrab skirmishes with Mexico and prior and subsequent interactions were some of the most prominent of many international exploits that would contribute to the ever-changing scope of the Modern English language. -
Civil Rights Movement
The Sixties saw a bloom of cultural change for America, with one of the most prominent themes being civil rights. With this changing perspective, the literary world was expanded and changed forever. -
HP's First Commercial PC
Hewlett-Packard commercializes the BASIC computers. Computers have and continue to have an ever-expanding influence on Modern English language. (Image credit: HP Computer Musuem)
