The origins of English - Part 2

12th century: the resurgence of English

• Renewed interest in Latin, Greek and Arabic which spawns numerous English translations.
• Wide spread increase in literacy while universities are established at Oxford and Cambridge.
• Hundred year war between England and France - decline in French spoken language
• English now many people's first language
• Parliament opens in 1962 - English, French dominates law and Latin dominates church and education.
• Words such as - brooch, bacon, biscuits, salmon, art

1476: The Printing Press

• Standard writing system, books more affordable, spread of literacy.
• Printing press by William Caxton in 1476 literacy output in Scottland reaches all time high in 15th century.
• Great vowel shift
• Latin words 15th century - contempt, genius, uncarnate, solar.
• Scottish English becomes a highley distinctive dialect

1500- 1650: The renaissance and influence of Shakespeare

• Sparks fresh interest in classical languages and their literature, leads to development in studies relating to medicine, science and arts.
• Time of great religious and political upheaval
• Discovery of Americans
• Union of English and Scottish crown sees first publication of an 'authorised' English translation of the bible.
• Words - baron, coroner, duke, crucifix, sermon, virgin, traitor, battle, enemy, warrant, lettuce, blue.
• Addition of prefixes creating many new words - forname, laughable, underground