History and spread of English ENG3701 assignment 1 semester 1.2024
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Course
History and spread of English (ENG3701)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Assignment One Read the questions below and answer the questions set. Please ensure that you engage with your prescribed text and resources when you construct your answers. 1. "How has the English language evolved over time, from its roots in Old English to its current form, and what factors hav...
HISTORY AND SPREAD
OF ENGLISH [ENG 3701]
ASSIGNMENT 01 SEMESTER 01 2024
QUESTION 1 TO 4 ARE ALL ANSWERED FOR YOU
PROVIDED WITH TWO OPTIONS TO CHOOSE
BETWEEN AND AVOID PLAGIARISM
ENG 3701
, Assignment One
Semester One
ENG3701 History and spread of English
100 marks
Assignment One Read the questions below and answer the questions set. Please
ensure that you engage with your prescribed text and resources when you
construct your answers.
1. "How has the English language evolved over time, from its roots in Old
English to its current form, and what factors have influenced its development?"
Your response should be approximately 1 page.
(25)
Option 1
The evolution of the English language from its roots in Old English to its current
form has been a complex and fascinating journey shaped by various historical,
social, and cultural factors.
Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, was spoken in England from the mid-5th
century to the mid-12th century. It was heavily influenced by Germanic tribes,
particularly the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who migrated to Britain. Old English was
characterized by a highly inflected structure, with grammatical gender, noun
declensions, and verb conjugations.
The Norman Conquest of 1066 marked a significant turning point in the evolution
of English. Following the conquest, Norman French became the language of the
, ruling class, while Old English continued to be spoken by the common people.
This resulted in a merging of Old English and Norman French vocabulary, leading
to the enrichment of the English language with Latin-based words and a
simplification of its grammatical structure.
Over time, English underwent further transformations due to various historical
events such as the Renaissance, the printing press, and colonial expansion. The
Renaissance brought about a renewed interest in classical learning, leading to the
adoption of many Latin and Greek words into English vocabulary. The invention of
the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century facilitated the
standardization of English spelling and grammar, contributing to the stabilization
of the language.
Colonial expansion during the 16th and 17th centuries spread English to different
parts of the world, resulting in the emergence of diverse English dialects and the
incorporation of words from other languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and Hindi.
The British Empire's global influence further propelled the spread and dominance
of English as a global lingua franca.
In the modern era, technological advancements, globalization, and cultural
exchange continue to shape the English language. The internet, in particular, has
accelerated the pace of linguistic evolution, leading to the creation of new words,
phrases, and expressions in response to rapidly changing social and technological
landscapes.
In conclusion, the evolution of the English language from Old English to its current
form reflects a dynamic interplay of historical, social, and cultural forces. Through
centuries of adaptation and innovation, English has evolved into a rich and
versatile language that continues to evolve in response to the ever-changing
world around us
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