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400
The start of the English Language
The English language started with the arrival of three Germanic tribes (the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes) who invaded Britain during the 5th century AD. These tribes crossed the North Sea from what today is Denmark and northern Germany. -
450
Earliest known Old English inscriptions
The Brittish developed the similar languages spoken by the tribes into Old English. Modern English have Old English roots such as the words be, strong and water. -
Jan 1, 1066
The French Language
William the Conqueror and the Duke of Normandy invade Britain and brought the French language. The upper class and business class begin to speak French. But, the lower class still spoke English. -
Jan 1, 1300
The Middle English
English became the dominant language but had a little French mixed in. This became Middle English. -
Jan 1, 1362
Edward III Addresses Parliament
Edward III became the first king to address Parliament in English. By the end of that century, even the royal court had switched to English. -
Jan 1, 1400
The Great Vowel Shift
Towards the end of Middle English, the Great Vowel Shift started. The great vowel shift is a sudden and distinct change in pronunciation with vowels being pronounced shorter and shorter. -
Jan 1, 1476
First English Printing Press
William Caxton establishes the first English printing press. This meant there was a language in print. -
The First Dictionary
Table Alphabeticall, the first English dictionary, was printed. -
Shakespeare
Shakespeare's First Folio is published seven years after he died. -
The Modern English
the Main difference between Early-English and Modern-English is the vocabulary. The industrial revolution and technology have expanded the English language.
