Дистанційне навчання 10-A (19.12.2020)
Lesson
Saturday, the ninteenth of December
Theme: The history of the Englisg language
Regardless of the
many languages one is fortunate to be fluent in, English takes its place as one
of the world’s predominant forms of communication with its influences extending
over as much as +2 billion people globally.
Where it all started
According to the
Encyclopedia Britannica, the English language itself really took off with the
invasion of Britain during the 5th century. Three Germanic tribes, the Jutes,
Saxons and Angles were seeking new lands to conquer, and crossed over from the
North Sea. It must be noted that the English language we know and study through
various English language courses today had yet to be created as the inhabitants
of Britain spoke various dialect of the Celtic language.
During the invasion,
the native Britons were driven north and west into lands we now refer to as
Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The word England and English originated from the
Old English word Engla-land, literally meaning “the land of the Angles” where
they spoke Englisc.
Old English (5th to
11th Century)
Albert Baugh, a
notable English professor at the University of Pennsylvania notes amongst his
published works that around 85% of Old English is no longer in use; however,
surviving elements form the basis of the Modern English language today.
Old English can be
further subdivided into the following:
·
Prehistoric or Primitive (5th to 7th Century) – available literature
or documentation referencing this period is not available aside from limited
examples of Anglo-Saxon runes;
·
Early Old English (7th to 10th Century) – this period contains some of
the earliest documented evidence of the English language, showcasing notable
authors and poets like Cynewulf and Aldhelm who were leading figures in the
world of Anglo-Saxon literature.
· Late Old English (10th to 11th Century) – can be considered the final phase of the Old English language which was brought about by the Norman invasion of England. This period ended with the consequential evolution of the English language towards Early Middle English.
Homework
Decide whether the statements are true or false
