A HISTORY OF OUR LANGUAGE
The English Language is Rich in its history. Studying the events that formed our language is vital to understand not only why we speak the way we do, but it also enables us to understand who we are. It comprises French, Latin, German, Norse, and a few lesser known tongues. Before there was written English, our texts were primarily written in Latin, and were reserved to be read by only the Pious and Royal. We also have historical landmarks such as Stonehenge that can guide us in understanding our English heritage. The language we speak today was formed only after Centuries of fierce battling, governments being overthrown, and a period of time known as the Dark Ages. During this time,
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The manuscript is a collection of historical information including descriptions of the inhabitants and invaders of Britain and provides the earliest known reference to the British king Arthur.
Sometime between 900 and 1000ad an epic known as Beowulf was written. Although the author of this work is unknown, we see that the language although primitive in its range could be manipulated by a masterful hand. And the product could be an intellectual and vivid display of the Authors’ talents. Beowulf is truly a gift when ascertaining the history of the English Language. Take for example the following line.
Oft Scyld Scefing scepena preatum,
Notice the first word, "Oft." It is remarkably similar to the Modern English word often.
After the Norman Invasion in 1066, Old English starts to shift. William the Conqueror brought great reform to England and also the French language. It was originally spoken primarily by members of Parliament and their chosen Religious leaders but when William divided the land taken from the English and gave it to his faithful Norman followers, the French language seeped into the commoners dialect. The changes that take place during this time are best reflected in Middle English.
Middle English has been dated from 1150 to 1500ad. During these years, the influence from the Norman Invasion becomes evident in both the speaking and writing of that era.
The Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf, was originally told orally then later was written down anonymously in the Old English language. It is not known who or whom wrote this poem down. What we do know is that Beowulf is the oldest surviving epic poem of the English language; the original has suffered irreparable damage in a fire. “The poem dates back to 1000 AD”
Beowulf speaks volumes about the ways of life during the Anglo-Saxon period. It is to England what Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad are to Greece. It is, as some call it, the mother poem of England. This mother poem has been passed down through oral tradition for numerous years and scholars believe that an educated Christian monk transcribed the poem, preserving it in written form. Beowulf has survived for nearly 1,300 years due to how well it conveys the Anglo-Saxon culture and the unique characteristics of the poem in its imagery, tone, style and diction.
The story Le Morte D’Arthur showed lots of old fashioned english in the text. For example, “And if ever it be God's will that I be king as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I shall not fail you; God forbid I should fail you Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of you, but that ye will make my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands. This text has lots of old english such as saying the word “ye” a
Languages are always changing and evolving. The English language itself is full of words from other languages.
Early Britain was an era of take overs and violence , overall it was a time of darkness , but despite the darkness this Anglo-Saxon era was a time filled with a new culture and government . Anglo-Saxons came to Britain sometime during AD 425-450 and lasted until 1066 . When the Romans left Britain , new settlement began . With the new population in Britain , there was a need for housing too , the Anglo-Saxon architecture however , did not start until the mid-fifth century . Anglo-Saxon architecture is a different style than modern architecture .
Diversity in America in not just limited to a persons ethnic background or religion, language also can separate a group of people. Ever since the first European settlers inhabited America and intergraded with Native Americas there was a language barrier. Today, although English is the language spoken by the majority of people in America, those language barriers are still present. These barriers can be seen in the obvious matter, different types of languages spoken, and also in a less noticeable matter, different dialects with in a language. Even with these barriers, man has overcome these differences and created a bridge for the gaps
lexis used as well as looking at how this passage fits into the society of the fifteenth century. The
King Alfred was the Ruler of Wessex, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, from 871 until he died in 899. Bishop Asser’s 893 writing, The Life of King Alfred, depicts the king’s life, his Christian ambitions and the struggles he met while trying to extend his rule against Viking invaders (160). Asser translates this biography to Latin in hopes to extend the King’s audience to Wales and beyond. The Life of King Alfred contains tenets, genera and effects that have characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon period. A strong belief in fate, unique forms of writing like repetition and caesuras, and the explanation of how King Alfred spread literacy through Christianity are all characteristics of literature from 499-1066.
The Anglo-Saxon period stretched for over six hundred years, 410 to 1066. This period is often referred to as the Dark Ages because the written documents from this era have become scarce. This period was a time of war, separation of kingdoms, and religious conversions. The Anglo-Saxon’s were a group of people descending from the German regions of Angeln and Saxon. They cultivated Britain after the great fall of the Roman Empire around AD 410.
In this essay, one can analyze the mythical tale of King Arthur written by Thomas Mallory, Le Morte D’Arthur, and translated via classroom textbook by Donna Rosenberg. If you love the mystical realm or enjoy nobility and what they do behind closed doors, then read Le Morte D’Arthur. Or, if you love conflict that is between the desires of the flesh, but also desires and responsibility of being King of Britain, then you may find the legend of King Arthur just your cup of tea to read.
Beowulf is one of the most important pieces of English literature. The epic poem is said to be a great representation of the Anglo-Saxon era. Written by an anonymous monk between 800 and 1000 A.D., Beowulf displays Anglo-Saxon practices, beliefs, values, and religion. Beowulf is not only a fascinating story, but also a primary source for the time period. Serving as a primary source document, scholars can have a deep understanding of the Anglo-Saxon culture. They can learn about the Old English language, their customs and beliefs, and what they valued. This is why Beowulf is one of the most important pieces of English literature.
The Arthurian Legend is seen to be extremely influential in benefitting the English people during the Romantic Era. Even if King Arthur is a fictional character of myth and legend in England, his childhood, countless glories and achievements as the king of Camelot, and the final down fall of his strong empire validated his importance to English literature. Proof of King Arthur’s existence would possibly solidify the impact he had on the English culture (Arthurian Legends Vol. 1).
D. The Saxons replaced the Roman stone buildings with wooden ones. The Saxon language gave rise to the English spoken today.
Most young children develop language rapidly, moving from crying and cooing in infancy to using hundreds of words and understanding their meanings by the time they are ready to enter kindergarten. Language development is a major accomplishment and is one of the most rewarding experiences for anyone to share with a child. Children learn to speak and understand words by being around adults and peers who communicate with them and encourage their efforts to talk.
Language is important because it's one of the main ways to communicate and interact with other people around us. It keeps us in contact with other people. English language is an example for the importance of a language because it is the international language and has become the most important language to people in many parts of the world. It is most widely used in communicating around the world, Also it is spoken as the first language in many countries. English is playing a major role in many sections like education, medicine, engineering and business. There are many reasons that makes English is the most important language in the world.