History Of The English Language

History Of English

Period: 400 to Oct 29, 2012

Christianity

Oct 28, 600

The influence of Christianity added many Latin terms into Old English.

Scandinavian Influence

Oct 28, 954

Vikings from Norway and Denmark invaded parts of Britain eventually blending parts of Old Norse into Old English.

Beowulf

Oct 28, 975

The manuscript of Beowulf is written some time between 975 and 1025. It is one of the most important pieces of literature ever, and maybe the oldest literature in Old English.

Normans Invade England

Oct 28, 1066

The Duke of Normandy conquered England and brought a new type of French speaking. During the Norman rule lower class spoke English and upper class spoke French. Later on English would become dominant again but with French added in.

Pleading In English Act Of 1362

Oct 28, 1362

The Parliament of England ruled that all court proceedings must be done in (Middle) English.

Canterbury Tales

Oct 28, 1392

Chaucer "the father of English literature" was a Middle English poet who was extremely famous. He wrote his famous Canterbury Tales in 1392.

Invention Of The Printing Press

Oct 28, 1440

The printing press changed literature forever. After the printing press was invented literature could be mass produced and it has kept language consistent.

Discovery Of North America

Aug 3, 1492

North America is discovered, and soon colonized by the English. This created an American variety of English which is a melting pot of English, Spanish, French, and even West African language.

The American Revolution

Oct 28, 1765

The Colonies of North America declare their independence from England, and the United States of America is created. A major division between American English and British English.

Electronic Computers/Internet

Oct 28, 1950

Electronic computers are developed in the 1950's and on through the present day. The internet is created and suddenly the entire world just opened up. We are now able to communicate with people from all walks of life.