From the middle ages to the Elizabethan Era

The Middle ages

Year 0: English didn't exist + British Isles inhabited by "the Celtics." ==> English language = result of invasions.

1st invader (-100 JC) = Julius Caesar and roman mixed their language (latin). Latin became language in which scholars would be able to read and write. This presence established a disctinction () 2 types of languages = Vernacular (street) vs Vehicular or Lingua Franca (use of communication () diff nationalities).

2nd half 5th century ==> Britons christianed by St Patrick

1st major invasion = 5th to 10th century.

Main wave of invasion = Saxons ==> invaded "Britannia" (Angles and Jutes did too)

• Saxons spoke Saxon (Germanic origin) ==> most imp. language was West Saxon (established basic language)

2nd wave of invasion started in the 8th century ==> Norway, Sweden and Denmark ==> they settled in North England (Scotland), South of Ireland and East of England = the Vikings.

• Vikings spoke Norse (could easily understand Saxons)

Old English collapsed + became an other language around 1200