TIMELINE

By UNIVESSCHOOL
  • 5 BCE

    Roman Influence on English

    Romans introduce basic Latin words to early English (Anglo-Saxon).
    Christianity and Latin missionaries bring new vocabulary, especially religious terms.
  • 11

    Anglo-Saxon Era

    Old English develops with roots in Germanic languages, heavily influenced by Latin and Old Norse.
  • 1060

    Norman Conquest

    The Normans invade England, bringing French vocabulary.
    Over 10,000 French words enter English, especially in law, government, and culture.
    Old English-speaking farmers use simpler terms, like "swine" compared to the French "pork."

  • Shakespeare's Contribution

    William Shakespeare invents approximately 2,000 words and phrases, including "crocodile," "eyeball," "break the ice," and "good riddance."
    His creative use of language introduces new expressions and emotional depth to English.

  • American English

    From the moment the British first landed in America, they needed new names.
    Waves of immigrants introduce new vocabulary, with Dutch influence bringing words.
    New concepts in America create new vocabulary.
    The first email is sent, opening up global communication.
    Online slang emerges: LOL, ASAP, and fail become common in digital communication.

  • The King James Bible

    A team of scholars translates the Bible into English, making the language more accessible to the common people.
    The translation influences modern English, with its poetic style and enduring phrases.
    The King James Bible becomes a key cultural text, spreading language and ideas across England.

  • Global English

    English has evolved into a global language, absorbing influences from over 350 languages.
    A quarter of English speakers speak it as a second language, and half can use it to ask for basic directions.
    English continues to evolve, and its widespread use connects people globally, though its system of spelling remains a challenge for many learners.