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449
Invasion of Britain
Germanic tribes (Jutes, Angles and Saxons) invade Britain. The name "English" comes from one of this tribes. Can you guess which one? -
Period: 450 to Apr 26, 1150
Old English
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Apr 25, 1000
Beowulf
Most important Old English work. Anonymous. Date of publication: 11th century -
Apr 25, 1066
Battle of Hastings (Norman conquest)
Battle in a town called Hastings (south of England). William the conqueror becomes King. William is from Normandy (north of France). People speak French in Normandy. The king and nobles speak French in England. People in Britain speak two languages: French (upper classes) and English (lower classes) -
Period: Apr 25, 1150 to Apr 26, 1500
Middle English
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Apr 25, 1362
English in court
English becomes the language of law. -
Apr 25, 1450
London Standard
London dialect becomes the standard. -
Apr 25, 1476
Printing press
William Caxton brings the printing press to England. -
Period: Apr 25, 1500 to
Modern English
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Apr 25, 1564
Shakespeare is born!
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The English go to America
Beginning of British empire. What influence do you think this had in the English language?