Old, Middle English
Which three Germanic tribes brought the English language to Britain in the 5th century?
The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
What role did the printing press play in the development of the English language?
The printing press, introduced by William Caxton in 1476, helped standardize spelling and grammar by making written texts more widely available and uniform.
What was the first permanent English settlement in North America, and when was it established?
Jamestown, Virginia, established in 1607.
What are some of the key differences between British and American English?
Differences exist in spelling (colour vs. color), pronunciation, and vocabulary (lorry vs. truck)
How has the English language influenced Czech vocabulary since the Industrial Revolution?
Since the Industrial Revolution, Czech has borrowed many English words related to technology, transport, and science, such as tramvaj (tram), motor (motor), and rotor (rotor).
How did the Viking invasion influence Old English? Give examples of words.
The Vikings introduced many Old Norse words into English, such as sky, egg, and husband.
What was the Great Vowel Shift, and why was it important?
The Great Vowel Shift (1400–1600) was a major change in English pronunciation, where long vowel sounds changed significantly. This shift contributed to the differences between Middle and Modern English.
How did British colonization contribute to the spread of the English language?
The British Empire spread English to many regions worldwide, where it evolved into different varieties due to local influences. English became the dominant language in former colonies.
What is Received Pronunciation, and where is it commonly used?
Received Pronunciation (RP) is a prestigious British English accent traditionally associated with the upper class, education, and the BBC.
What are Anglicisms, and can you give three examples commonly used in Czech?
Anglicisms are words borrowed from English and used in Czech, sometimes with adapted pronunciation. Examples include internet, marketing, and manager.
What was the impact of the Norman Conquest on the English language?
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, French became the language of the ruling class, government, and law, leading to the adoption of many French words into English, especially in areas such as law (justice, court), government (parliament, crown), and fashion (gown, beauty).
How did the Renaissance influence the English language?
The Renaissance introduced many Latin and Greek words into English, especially in the fields of science, philosophy, and the arts. Examples include scientific, democracy, and philosophy.
What impact did British colonization have on Indigenous Australians?
Indigenous Australians suffered from disease, displacement, and violence due to British colonization. Many lost their land and traditional way of life.
How did Indian English develop, and what makes it unique?
Indian English developed under British rule and includes words from Hindi and other Indian languages. It also has unique pronunciation, grammar structures, and blended words (Hinglish).
Can you provide the equivalents of these BrE words in AmE?
Flat , Lorry, Autumn
Apartment, Truck, Fall
How did Middle English differ from Old English in terms of grammar and vocabulary?
Middle English had a simpler grammar than Old English, with fewer inflections and more reliance on word order. It also incorporated thousands of French words due to the Norman influence.
How did Samuel Johnson's dictionary contribute to the standardization of English?
Samuel Johnson's A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755, helped standardize spelling, meanings, and usage of words, making English more consistent.
What are Creole languages, and how did they develop in former British colonies?
Creole languages are languages that developed from a mixture of English and local languages in colonial regions. They formed as a means of communication between different linguistic groups (e.g., Jamaican Patois, Gullah in the U.S.).
What is Globish, and why is it considered a global form of English?
"Globish" is a simplified version of English used for international communication, often with a limited vocabulary and simplified grammar.
In which areas of life has Czech adopted the most English words?
Czech has adopted many English words in sports (hokej, tenis), entertainment (film, show), IT (software, email), and food (burger, hotdog).
What is The Canterbury Tales, and why is it significant in the history of the English language?
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in Middle English in the late 14th century. It is significant because it was one of the first major literary works written in a form of English that is more recognizable to modern speakers.
What were some of the key factors that led to differences between British and American English?
After the American Revolution, the United States developed its own spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Noah Webster’s dictionary simplified American spelling (color instead of colour), and American English also adopted new words from Native American languages and immigrants.
How did British colonization influence the English spoken in India?
English became the language of administration, education, and law in India. It also absorbed many words from Hindi and other Indian languages, such as pyjamas and bungalow.
How has South African English been influenced by other languages?
South African English was influenced by Afrikaans, Zulu, and other local languages, leading to unique vocabulary and accents.
What is an example of a Czech phrase that has been influenced by English?
Mějte hezký den. ("Have a nice day") and Ano, určitě ("Yes, of course").