THE EVOLUTION OF ENGLISH : A FRANKENSTEIN LANGUAGE?
Edition & Formating: Aglaia Ruffino Jalles
English is the most spoken language in the world when both native and non-native speakers are considered. It's the global lingua franca, dominating international business, technology, tourism, and much more. But why is English so unique, especially compared to other Germanic languages? And why is it considered a Frankenstein language? Let’s explore the fascinating history of English and uncover why it stands out.
THE UNIQUE PATH OF ENGLISH
English belongs to the Germanic language family, which includes languages like German, Dutch, and Swedish. Despite its Germanic roots, English has evolved in a way that makes it distinct and less mutually intelligible with its linguistic cousins. This uniqueness stems from its complex history and the myriad influences it has absorbed over the centuries.
GERMANIC LANGUAGE FAMILY TREE
Source: Highlife highland, Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives
CLOSEST RELATIVES: SCOTS AND FRISIAN
English’s closest relative is Scots, not to be confused with Scots Gaelic. Scots developed from the Northumbrian Middle English dialect, spoken in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Despite their common origin, Scots and Modern English evolved into separate languages due to different historical influences and evolutionary paths.
Another close relative is the Frisian languages, spoken in parts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. English and Frisian originated from a common ancestor known as Anglo-Frisian. However, the two languages diverged significantly over time, resulting in little mutual intelligibility today.
MAJOR INFLUENCES ON ENGLISH
VIKING INVASIONS
One of the pivotal events in the evolution of English was the Viking invasions from the 8th to the 11th centuries. The Norsemen brought with them Old Norse, which significantly impacted Old English. Many Old Norse words entered the English lexicon, such as "egg," "window," "sky," and "husband." Old Norse also influenced English phonology and grammar, introducing sounds like "sh" (from Old Norse "sk") and contributing to the use of the -s suffix for possessives.
NORMAN CONQUEST
The most profound influence on English came from the Norman Conquest of 1066. When William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, became the King of England, French became the language of the English elite. For approximately 300 years, French dominated administration, law, literature, and culture. This period left an indelible mark on English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Barlow, Frank. "William I". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May. 2024. Accessed 26 June 2024.
French introduced many loanwords into English, particularly in areas such as law, government, cuisine, and the arts. Examples include "judge," "government," "beef," and "ballet." French also influenced English spelling conventions and phonology, adding new sounds and stress patterns to the language. Approximately 30-40% of English vocabulary comes from French, shaping it into a language that blends Germanic and Romance elements.
THE CORE VOCABULARY OF ENGLISH
While English has borrowed extensively from other languages, its core vocabulary remains largely Germanic. Common words and prepositions, such as "house," "food," "under," and "with," are native to Old English. However, the extensive borrowing from Latin, French, and other languages has made English vocabulary incredibly diverse.
WHY IS ENGLISH SO DIFFERENT?
Unlike other Germanic languages that have retained more mutual intelligibility, English’s unique evolutionary path has set it apart. Its extensive borrowing from Latin and French, coupled with the independent changes it underwent, resulted in a language that is distinct from its Germanic cousins. For instance, while Dutch and German share some degree of mutual intelligibility, English does not share this trait with any other Germanic language that did not derive directly from English.
This is where we arrive to the Frankenstein analogy: like Frankenstein was a being made out of a combination of different dead bodies, English came from a combination of many different languages throughout its history that, together, formed what it is today.
CONCLUSION
The evolution of English is a testament to its rich and complex history. From its Germanic roots to the profound influences of Old Norse and French, each historical event has shaped English into the unique language it is today. Understanding this history helps us appreciate why English, despite its Germanic origins, stands apart as a language that bridges Germanic and Romance elements.
By recognizing the intricate tapestry of influences that have molded English, we can better understand its structure and global significance. English truly exemplifies how languages can evolve and adapt, incorporating diverse elements to become a global means of communication.
If you found this exploration of the English language fascinating, join the conversation in the comments below and share your thoughts!
If you want to learn more about this topic, watch our Youtube video with more in depth information and examples:
