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Q1.5 This is an essay of no less than 200 words.


Explain the status of English as a Germanic language and the large influence of Romance languages on English

English is fundamentally a Germanic language, with its roots tracing back to the Germanic tribes that settled in what is now England during the early Middle Ages. Despite its Germanic origins, English has been significantly influenced by Romance languages over the centuries, leading to its unique linguistic character.

As a Germanic language, Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, served as the basis for English. Old English was characterized by its complex inflectional grammar and rich vocabulary, much of which was derived from the Germanic languages spoken by the Anglo-Saxons, such as Old Norse and Old High German.

However, the large influence of Romance languages on English can be attributed to historical events. The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror brought Old Norman, a Romance language, into the mix. As a result, the ruling class and the English court adopted Norman French as the language of prestige and governance. This introduced a significant number of French loanwords into English, particularly in areas related to law, government, fashion, and cuisine.

This period of bilingualism led to a fusion of Old English and Old Norman, giving rise to Middle English, which continued to absorb French vocabulary.

During the later Middle English period, English underwent what is known as the Great Vowel Shift, a significant phonological change, which contributed to the distinct pronunciation patterns we recognize today.

In the Early Modern English period, Latin and Greek also influenced English, particularly in scientific, medical, and technical terminology.

In conclusion, English's status as a Germanic language is clear in its core structure and vocabulary, but its history of contact with Romance languages, especially Old Norman, has left an indelible mark on its vocabulary and to some extent, its grammar. This unique blend of Germanic and Romance influences has contributed to English's complexity and richness, making it a truly global language.