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Line 1: − + − English is a member of the Germanic language family with a vocabulary based upon [[Saxon]], [[Angle]] and [[Jute]] descent largely based upon the vocabulary of its predecessor period (I.E. [[Middle-English]],[[Old-English]]) The influence of French is largely due to the conquest of Saxon-speaking [[England]] by [[French]] speaking Normans in 1066 AD which is fairly superficial in nature. Like other Germanic languages, prominently [[Modern High-German]] and [[Dutch]], due to the usage of French as Lingua-Franca for law (save for [[Common law]] which is derived of Saxon-Folk law), sciences, philosophy and politics. English utilizes the [[Objective]],[[Singular]] and [Plural]] case endings for nouns supplemented by a reduced [[masculine]] and [[feminine]] system. It represents one of the oldest living Germanic languages within the North-Sea Germanic/Ingvaeonic sub-grouping of this family. Scholars identify 4 primary times in the development of history that account for the insurgence of non-native terminology including the above mentioned influence of French, the commencement of trade with Spain (The same occurred with German, Dutch and of course Frisian) and the Enlightenment period for Latin and Greek words. − Throughout its history, English has remained one of the most flexible and inventive languages, borrowing thousands of words from other languages where need or convenience arise, as well as generating new words of its own. In large part as a result, English has one of the largest lexicons (vocabularies) of any world language, and is particularly rich in [[synonym]]s and near-synonyms. It is the primary (native) language of approximately 400 million people worldwide, as well as a secondary, or learned language of 600 million more, meaning more than 1 billion people in the world can speak the language.+ + + Line 12:
Line 13: − − ==Grammar==
Decided it would be easier for a rewrite of a few sections, added some facts
'''English''' refers to the people of England, and also to their language. English is the predominant language of the [[United States of America|United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]] as well as other former members of the [[British Empire]]. Due to the enormous economic, scientific, political and cultural influence of the these nations, English functions as the world's major international language.
'''English''' refers to the people of England, and also to their language. English is the predominant language of the [[United States of America|United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]] as well as other former members of the [[British Empire]]. Due to the enormous economic, scientific, political and cultural influence of the these nations, English functions as the world's major international language.
==Vocabulary==
==History and Development==
English is considered a member of the Germanic language family, one of the oldest surviving Germanic languages within the North-Sea Germanic/Ingvaeonic sub-grouping of this family, with a vocabulary based upon Saxon, Angle, and Jute descent. The language has changed considerably in its existence; predecessors to modern English are highly distinct and are often mistaken for a completely different language, as evident in Old-English and Middle English. [[French]], amongst other Romance languages, has had a large impact on the language as well, due to the conquest of England by the French speaking Normans in 1066 AD. French also had a great impact on the language as it was the Lingua-Franca, considered so up until [[World War II]] (where English itself became the Lingua-Franca), in subjects such as law, science, philosophy, and politics.
Scholars typically identify several key factors in the development of the language in regards to the insurgence of non-native terminology. These times include the influence of French, mentioned above, the commerce England had with Spain, introducing Spanish to the language, and the affect of the [[Renaissance]] and [[Enlightenment]] period, which brought Latin and Greek based words to the language. Based on the history of the English language, it is sometimes compared to a common [[Creole]] language due to the many factors that have helped it develop over hundreds of years.
After World War II, the rise of the United States as a world superpower led to English replacing French as the Lingua-Franca, becoming the world's most used language for diplomacy, commerce, science, and so forth. Because of this, English is considered the world's most important international language by many.
==Spelling==
==Spelling==
The term "English" may also be used to refer to a person from the United Kingdom born in the country of England, or to describe something from England or with characteristics particular to that place.
The term "English" may also be used to refer to a person from the United Kingdom born in the country of England, or to describe something from England or with characteristics particular to that place.
==See also==
==See also==