Evolution of the English Language

The core vocabulary of English is inherited from Proto-Germanic, the ancestor of the Germanic languages, but a significant portion of the English vocabulary comes from Romance and Latinate sources. This is due to the fact that the Germanic tribes who migrated to the British Isles were heavily influenced by the Latin language through contact with the Roman Empire and later through Christianization. http://A brief history of the English language – Oxford International English Schools

A large portion of the English vocabulary is derived directly from Latin, and many more English words were formed by blending Germanic and Latin roots. This is true especially for scientific and technical terms, legal and administrative vocabulary, as well as for literary and academic language.

Furthermore, the influence of Latin on the English language is not only limited to vocabulary. Latin also influenced the grammar of English, as the Latin declensions and conjugations influenced the way nouns, verbs, and adjectives are inflected in English.

Additionally, English has been influenced by the Romance languages, particularly French, which was the dominant language in England during the Norman Conquest. English also absorbed words and phrase from Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages as a result of trade, travel, and other cultural exchange throughout history.

While English is a Germanic language, it has been greatly influenced by Latin and the Romance languages over the centuries. This has resulted in a rich and diverse vocabulary and grammar, with many words and structures borrowed from these other languages.

Another bit of interesting linguistic history is, in the Middle Ages, Latin was the language of education and the Church, so it was also used in written texts such as legal documents, scientific works, and literature. Many Latin words and phrases were borrowed directly into English and are still used today. They are called “borrowed words” or “loanwords.” Examples include words like “candelabra,” “et cetera,” “via,” “alibi,” “bona fide,” and “status quo.”  https://www.thoughtco.com/events-history-of-the-english-language-1692746

 

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