The importance and usage of the English language in our modern and globalized world creates the impression that it is the language spoken by the maximum number of people all over the world.
However, it is interesting to know that Mandarin Chinese, spoken by approximately 873,000,000 people holds this distinction.
English is spoken by about 309,000,000 people, though it is a language which has its presence in all parts of the world and its power is felt the world over.
Hindi is the third in terms of the number of
speakers in the world. Another surprising fact is that English is just about
fifteen hundred years old and the language we are familiar with is less than
five centuries old! Moreover, this language has given expression to world class
literature in all genres. Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Milton and many others are
still considered the greatest masters of their art and are relevant for their
ideas and literary genius. The following facts will enable you to understand
the reasons which have transformed the once humble East Midland Dialect to a
position of unparalleled greatness in our times.
PERIODS IN THE HISTORY OF
ENGLISH
The evolution of the English
language from the beginnings in the Anglo-Saxon times to the modern era has
been an unbroken one. We can distinguish three main periods in the history and
growth of the language in the following manner:-
Ø Old English (OE) - AD 449-AD 1066
Ø Middle English (ME) -AD 1150-AD 1500
Ø Modern English- -AD 1500 onwards
OLD ENGLISH
Throughout this period
English continued to be the language of everyday speech for the common mass.
The divisions made above are more for convenience, but it is possible to
distinguish certain linguistic features in each of these periods. The OE period
is characterized by inflections. Gradually over a period of time these
inflections were found to have been levelled. Literature produced during the
age was not of much significance, as court patronage was lacking and the age
came to be known as the Dark Age.
MIDDLE ENGLISH
From 1150 onwards English
began to emerge as a language of literature. The language was enriched through
extensive borrowings from French and Latin. Apart from this two other major
developments occurred-one was the invention of the printing press in 1476, the
other being a considerable rise in literacy. The Great Vowel Shift also took
place during this time. All these factors contributed tremendously to creating
a language for both spoken and written purposes.
MODERN ENGLISH
English used since AD 1500
till now is called Modern English. Recently, this period is being sub-divided
into Modern and New English. From the beginning of the Modern period to the end
of the 19th century, English was basically the language of the British Isles.
With the territorial expansion of the British Empire, together with the growth
of science, industry, politics and literature, the English language enriched
itself by successfully adding to its vocabulary, and the flavour of the
countires the British had colonised. In the twentieth century, the erstwhile
colonies of the British Empire acquired freedom. The British left the
countires, but English remained. Hence new varieties of English have emerged in
different parts of the world. Some of these are American English, Indian
English, Canadian English, etc. In simple terms the latest period in the growth
and development of the English language may be called the era or period of
"New Englishes". This new terminology is enough to indicate how the
language manifests itself and moulds to serve the basic purpose of human
communication. The story of the English language is like a flowing river,
meandering across continents, absorbing the native soil and entering the hearts
of the people. No surprise therefore if the people all over the world have
accorded the status of an International Language to English.
In the era of globalization
English has been found suitable as the language of international communication.
It has also equipped itself to serve as the language of the present Cyber age.
In the next few pages we
will discuss the characteristics of the English language which have contributed
to its growth and development.
Exercises
1. Write T for true and F for
false statements:
a) ENGLISH was once humble East Midland
Dialects. TRUE
b) Old English covers AD 449-AD 1066. TRUE
c) Middle English did not borrow from French
and Latin. FALSE
d) The present era is the period of 'New
Englishes'. TRUE
2. Answer these questions very
briefly:
1. Which language is spoken by
maximum number of people?
Ans:
Mandarin Chinese,
spoken by maximum number of people approximately 873,000,000 people holds this
distinction.
2. Since, when is Modern
English in use?
Ans:
Modern language is
in use since AD 1500 onwards.
3. Which period is
characterised by inflections?
Ans:
The old English period
is characterized by inflections.
4. Why did the Old English
period fail to produce literature of much significance?
Ans:
The court patronage was
lacking, as much literature produced during the age was not of much
significance and the age came to be known as the dark days.
5. When did the Great Vowel
Shift take place?
Ans: ‘The Great Vowel
Shift’ took place after the invention of printing press in 1476. At that time there was a considerable rise in
literacy.