The History of English

One of the main ideas to develop throughout the book is the history of English as the continuation of the history of language itself. After humans gain the ability to speak, they spread across the globe and form new language communities. The island of the United Kingdom has a particular historical background that allows the English language to form and develop over time. One of the most dramatic ways that this is shown is through the changing political landscape of the island itself.

The original inhabitants of the island are the Celts. The Celts are taken over by the Romans and adopt many aspects of Roman culture. After the Romans leave the island, a series of Germanic tribes invades the island. These peoples are known as the Anglo Saxons. The Anglo Saxons change the language almost entirely and the modern day language reflects more Anglo...