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The Angles, Jutes, and Saxons invaded British Isles and pushed the Celts into the remote northern and western parts of Britian. Modern English has evolved primarily from the language spoken by these three tribes when they migrated to England over 1500 years ago. Vikings from present-day Norway in the ninth century was defeated in their effort to conquer the islands, however many of the Vikings remained in the country to enrich the language with new words.
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They spoke French and for the next 150 years that was the official language of England. Although the leaders, royal family, nobles, judges, and clergy spoke French but the majority of the people spoke English.
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England entered a long period of conflict with France, therefore English became the undisputed official language once again.
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In this year the Parlaiment passed the Statute of Pleading which changed the official language of all court business from French to English.
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Many new words and phrases entered the language. Because of the invention of printing, there became a common language in print. Books became cheaper and people learned to read. Spelling and grammer became fixed, and the dialect of London became the standard.
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The Great Vowel Shift started, a sudden and distinct change in pronunctiation. In 1604 the first English dictionary was published.
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Had an effect on the development of the language as new words had to be invented or existing ones modified to cope with the rapid changes in technology. New technical words were added to the vocabulary as inventors designed various products and machinery.
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Brought an end to an era of great intellectual and creative exuberance. Individuals were dispersed: the rationing of paper affected the production of magazines and books; and the poem and the short story, convient forms for men under arms, became the favored means of literacy expression.
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Increased attachment to religion. This was particularly perceptible in authors who had established themselves before the war.
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Modern English owes its simpler, shraightforward words to its Germanic roots and its fancy, more elegant words to its French roots. Without a doubt, English is a versatile language that has become necessary in today’s world. A language that counts with a wide development in literacy, press, TV, movies, and theater. A language that will not only help you do any business but also to dream.
