University:
Boston University
Course:
MET HI 215 | Special Topics in History
Academic year:

2021
Views:

237

Pages:

3
Author:

5prinzg1s

Contents Chapter One: Before English (Prehistory – c. 500 AD) This period covers the time before the English language existed. It includes:  Indo-European: The ancient language family that English comes from.  Spread of Indo-European Languages: How these languages spread across Europe and Asia.  Germanic Tribes: The ancestors of the English language.  The Celts and The Romans: Early inhabitants of Britain, before the arrival of Germanic tribes. Chapter Two: Old English (c. 500 – c. 1100) This phase begins with the arrival of Germanic tribes in Britain. Key points include:  Invasions of Germanic Tribes: Angles, Saxons, and Jutes brought their languages to Britain.  The Coming of Christianity and Literacy: Christian missionaries introduced literacy.  The Anglo-Saxon Language: The early form of English spoken during this time.  The Vikings: Their invasions brought new words and influences to English.  Old English after the Vikings: How the language changed after Viking settlements. Chapter Three: Middle English (c. 1100 – c. 1500) After the Norman Conquest, English underwent many changes. Important developments include:  Norman Conquest: French influence became strong after 1066.  French (Anglo-Norman) Influence: French words and grammar were added to English.  Middle English After the Normans: English began to evolve with a mix of French and Old English.  Resurgence of English: English regained its dominance as a spoken language.  Chaucer and the Birth of English Literature: Geoffrey Chaucer's works marked the rise of English literature.