![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The poem Beowulf, written in Alfred’s English, is one of the most important artefacts of this young tongue. A language totally unrecognizable from its adult form, it had various dialects. Although only an infant, Old English is how this phase is now known. It doesn’t appear christened as English until the 9th century by King Alfred. The exact birth date of English is shadowy, but its parentage is accepted as Anglo-Saxon, those who settled on the British Isles in the 5th century speaking their Germanic tongue. Long before the tug-of-war began, there was the birth and the christening. Let’s take a look at the interesting players who held the umbilical cord and why they wouldn’t loosen their grip. It’s been a long linguistic custody battle, full of emotion and entitlement. From playdates with Old Norse, peer pressure from Latin, and partying with technology, it’s the language that refuses to grow up and settle down. Besides, English was a very sociable child. What would the original purists of English make of such a suggestion? Each minder has tried to protect English from the outside world, but it couldn’t be wrapped up in cotton wool forever. The debate continues as to whether English should be still regarded as a Germanic language when most of the lexicon is Latin in origin. Others have lamented the decline of proper usage of vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. Some want to take off the diaper and put on a nappy. They are long gone, but many have since claimed guardianship. Since toddling around in diapers, the English language has been trying to escape its parents. English Takes After My Side of the Family ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |