Apart from various social, political, and religious forces, different languages also influenced the English language extensively. In a word, the dominating impact of linguistic influences on the English language is undeniable.
History shows that from the beginning day of civilization till today, English people have been trying to obtain a more living and growing language as their medium of communication. And, this utmost eagerness to build a rational and simple way for communication unfolded umpteen opportunities for them to meet and become familiar with different peoples and their languages at different times. Most importantly, this ongoing process never stopped, whether before or after their settlement in England. This communication journey enriched the language profusely and made it what it is today.
According to the available evidence, the English people had contacts with a few Roman traders during the introductory period. As part of their business and growing interest in Roman culture, they learned the traders’ language, which was the famous Latin language. Increasing admiration for this language unlocked the preferences to choose and integrate a few Latin words into English. Also, it helped the Britons to establish a smooth connection with the said Roman traders.
Many experts believe that the said integration was most probably the first active phase witnessing the onset of the domination of linguistic influences on English. But the journey of adopting unique words didn’t end here. In the next stage, the English became familiar with the Celtic language. It was the mother tongue of the aboriginals of the land. Importantly, familiarity with this dialect didn’t make much impact on the English language.
So far, the English people felt admiration only for different languages. They just came to know several classical languages, like Greek and Latin. And the speed of adopting and merging words from these communication mediums into their stock of words remained relatively slow. The pace accumulated robust momentum after their conversion into Christianity. It impacted hugely, especially the Latin influences that emerged with solidity to enrich English.
Furthermore, many other essential dialects, including French and Scandinavian, made their solid footprints visible in England.
After the Scandinavian aggression, Britons got influenced by the Scandinavians. On the other hand, French influence became acute after the vital Norman Conquest. But, due to Renaissance, the linguistic influences acted with much resoluteness and firmness compared to the previous session. During this term of the uprising, German, Spanish and Italian languages also made notable inroads.
Later on, the extension of the British Empire and its domination in other parts of the world opened up the opportunity to relate to many other races. And this activity, in turn, amplified the “linguistic scope of English.” Speeches like Portuguese, Arabic, Dutch, Indian, Persian, Chinese and many others uncovered more and more opportunities for the English Language to get upgraded and refined.
