The Evolution of the English Language

The video explores the history of the English language, tracing its evolution from Old English, influenced by Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, through Middle English shaped by the Norman Conquest, to Early Modern English during the Renaissance and the printing press era. It highlights key linguistic changes, such as the Great Vowel Shift, and the impact of figures like Shakespeare. The video concludes with contemporary English as a global language, influenced by technology and social media.

What major event led to the introduction of Old Norse words into the English language?

• The Renaissance

• The Viking invasions

• The Norman Conquest

• The Roman withdrawal from Britain

Which language heavily influenced English during the Middle English period?

• Latin

• Old Norse

• Old Norman

• Celtic

Which period saw the introduction of many French words into English?

• Middle English

• Contemporary English

• Old English

• Early Modern English

What was the primary language of the church and scholarly works during the Middle English period?

• Old Norman

• Latin

• Old Norse

• Old English

What was a significant linguistic change during the Early Modern English period?

• The spread of Latin

• The Norman Conquest

• The Great Vowel Shift

• The introduction of Old Norse

Who is considered to have contributed significantly to the richness of Early Modern English?

• William Shakespeare

• Johannes Gutenberg

• King Harold

• Geoffrey Chaucer

What invention played a crucial role in standardizing English during the Early Modern English period?

• The printing press

• The steam engine

• The compass

• The telescope

During which period did English begin to spread beyond England's shores?

• Old English

• Middle English

• Contemporary English

• Early Modern English

What factor has accelerated the creation and dissemination of new words in contemporary English?

• Global communication

• The Renaissance

• The printing press

• The Norman Conquest

How many people approximately speak English as a global lingua franca today?

• 2 billion

• 1.5 billion

• 1 billion

• 500 million