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Period: 400 to
A-Z of the English Language
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500
Germanic Tribes Invade England
The Germanic Tribes Invade England making the original settlers the Celts flee. -
500
New Langauge Introduced
The Germanic Tribes introduce a new language now commonly called Old English. -
Dec 1, 1066
The Normans Conquered Britain
The Normans conquered Britain after defeating the Vikings (Anglo-Saxon) over control. The Common language of that time was French. But French words were added to the Vocabulary of the English Language. Ex. Venison or deer meat. -
Dec 1, 1066
French Language Takeover
When the Normans conquered Britain they introduced a new language French. The higher class aristocrats spoke French while the lower class spoke English. Because of this new addition the English vocabulary expanded as it adopted new words. -
Jan 1, 1362
Official Language!!
In 1362 the Statute of Parliament makes English its official language. -
May 20, 1385
Dominant Language
In the Late 1300s English becomes domininant language in all classes. (in Britain) -
Jan 1, 1500
The Renaissance and the Great Vowel Change
At the start of the renaissance the English language took a radical change as vowels became shorter and shorter. -
May 20, 1564
Willaim Shakespear
William Shakespeare wrote many plays such as Romeo and Juliet. -
The First Dictionary
The First Official Dictionary For the English Language by Robert Cawdrey
