anglo saxons

What were the two main methods primitive people used to communicate?

Sign language and gestures.

Why did primitive people switch from gestures to words?

Words were clearer, easier, and more effective than gestures.

What were the first sounds in early human communication?

Blowing air ("W") and humming (""), later "s" and "Z"

What inspired primitive people's sounds?

They imitated the sounds of nature (animals, wind, etc.).

How were vowels created in early speech?

By using airflow, the mouth, and vocal cords.

How were consonants created in early speech?

By combining vowel sounds to make new sounds.

Why is Julius Caesar important to English history?

His Roman Empire invaded Britain (55 BC), introducing Latin, culture, and government.

When did Julius Caesar invade Britain? When did Rome fall?

Invaded in 55 BC, Romans withdrew in 410 AD.

Why is Roman influence important?

They brought Latin vocabulary, advanced culture, and infrastructure.

When did England get conquered again after the Romans?

500 AD, when the Germanic tribes arrived (Angles, Saxons, Jutes).

What did the three Germanic tribes give us?

They created Old English, which was 100% Germanic.

Why are the Anglo-Saxons important?

Almost all common English words are Anglo-Saxon in origin.

What year did Anglo-Saxon Germanic become English?

Around 500 AD.

What year did Anglo-Saxon Germanic become English?

Around 500 AD.

Who was William the Conqueror?

The Norman king who invaded England in 1066 AD, bringing French influence.

Why is William the Conqueror important?

He introduced French words and culture, making English a mix of Anglo-Saxon (simple) and French/Latin (sophisticated).

What is the difference between Anglo-Saxon and French/Latin words?

Anglo-Saxon = simple words (ex: clear).

French/Latin = sophisticated words (ex: discombobulated).

What influenced the creation of Modern English?

The Norman Conquest, blending Anglo-Saxon and French, Chaucer's works, and the Great Vowel Shift.

What is the Great Vowel Shift?

A major change in pronunciation (1400s-1500s). Example: "april" (ah-prill) →

"April" (A-pril).

What is the difference between Middle and Modern English?

A: Middle English had more French grammar/words. Modern English has simpler grammar and changed pronunciation.

How did the pronunciation of English words change?

Through the Great Vowel Shift; vowels shifted sound while spelling stayed the same.

What role did Geoffrey Chaucer play?

His works (The Canterbury Tales) helped standardize Middle English.

What role does slang play in English?

It's created by younger generations to reflect identity and separate from older generations (ex: "lit," "they're him").

Timeline of English language development?

55 BC: Julius Caesar invades.

410 AD: Romans withdraw.

500 AD: Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) create Old English.

1066 AD: William the Conqueror, Norman Conquest.

1400s: Chaucer, Middle English.

1500s: Great Vowel Shift → Modern English.