Why Did Modern English Come from Anglo-Saxon Instead of Latin or French?
Modern English has its roots deeply entrenched in the Anglo-Saxon culture, which provides us with a broader perspective on the language evolution. Unlike Latin or French—which are of Romance and Latin origin—Modern English emerged from Old German spoken by the Anglo-Saxons, making it a distinctly Germanic language. This article delves into the historical and linguistic reasons behind this unique development.
Origins of the English Language
Because Old English and Middle English both derived from Old German as spoken by the Anglo-Saxons, they are undoubtedly Germanic languages. Latin and French, on the other hand, are not Germanic. This linguistic heritage is crucial to understanding the development of English.
The Role of the Anglo-Saxons
The true creators of the English language were the Anglo-Saxons themselves. The Romans and the French who later ruled England did not speak English—they spoke Latin and French, respectively. The Roman occupation ended in 410 AD, while the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons occurred several decades later. The Normans, though influential, did not create the language; they contributed to its later development.
The Contribution of the Frisians
Among the groups that contributed significantly to the English language, the Frisians are often overlooked. They played a vital role in the formation of the “Anglo-Saxon” migration and were crucial in the development of Old English. The Frisians’ contribution highlights the complex interplay of cultural and linguistic influences that shaped the English language.
Evolving Through the Centuries
Despite the influential presence of the Normans, who dominated much of Medieval England’s elite, English evolved and incorporated elements of French, particularly in Middle English. However, these changes were additions to an already developed and established language. Old English, or Englisc, had its roots in the West Germanic Ingvaeonic spoken by the Anglo-Saxons long before the Norman invasion.
Language of the Clergy and Scholars
Moreover, Latin was the universal language of the Catholic Church, and its use was prevalent among educated clergy. However, for the common people, Latin was not a daily language. Educational opportunities were limited, and most people spoke and wrote in their vernacular, which evolved into what we now know as Old English.
Latin and Latin-influenced terms were used in specific contexts, such as religious and official documents. Therefore, while Latin was an important part of the intellectual and ecclesiastical life, it was not the common language for daily interactions, especially among ordinary people.
In conclusion, the English language has its roots in the Anglo-Saxons because they are the English and the ones who created the language. The Normans and Latin scholars contributed to its development but did not initiate the linguistic journey of what would become the English language.