The History of English - Languages: Anglo-Saxon (1/10)

Summary

The script humorously traces the origins of the English language, starting with the departure of the Romans and the arrival of Germanic tribes like the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. It highlights the influence of Anglo-Saxon vocabulary on everyday words and the naming of weekdays after their gods, except for the weekend. The script also notes the introduction of Latin through Christian missionaries and the significant impact of Viking invasions, which contributed action-oriented words and phrases to the language.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The English language has its roots in the departure of the Romans from Britain and the subsequent influx of Germanic tribes, such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
• 🛣️ The Romans left behind straight roads but did not significantly contribute to the English language with their Latin vocabulary.
• 🏡 Anglo-Saxon vocabulary was practical, comprising everyday words like 'house', 'woman', 'loaf', and 'werewolf'.
• 📅 Four weekdays are named after Anglo-Saxon gods, while Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were not, humorously suggesting the gods were on a long weekend.
• 📚 Christian missionaries introduced Latin words to the English language, alongside concepts like 'martyr', 'bishop', and 'font'.
• 🏛️ Christianity was embraced by the locals, leading to the adoption of more Latin-based words.
• ⚔️ The Vikings contributed a significant number of words to English, including 'drag', 'ransack', 'thrust', 'die', 'give', and 'take'.
• 🐟 The Vikings also brought their love for pickled herring to Britain.
• 🗡️ Despite their reputation for violence, the Vikings also contributed phrases like 'watch out for that man with the enormous axe'.
• 🤝 The script humorously highlights the cultural exchanges and linguistic contributions of various historical groups to the English language.

Q & A

What phrase is mentioned to mark the beginning of the English language as the Romans left Britain?

The phrase 'Up Yours Caesar!' is mentioned to mark the beginning of the English language as the Romans left Britain.

Which Germanic tribes are mentioned as having a significant impact on early English vocabulary?

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes are mentioned as Germanic tribes that had a significant impact on early English vocabulary.

What did the Romans leave behind in Britain that is still evident today?

The Romans left behind very straight roads in Britain, which are still evident today.

What everyday words from the Anglo-Saxon vocabulary are mentioned in the script?

The everyday words from the Anglo-Saxon vocabulary mentioned are 'house', 'woman', 'loaf', and 'werewolf'.

Which days of the week are named in honor of Anglo-Saxon gods according to the script?

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are named in honor of Anglo-Saxon gods.

Why didn't the Anglo-Saxons name Saturday, Sunday, and Monday?

The script humorously suggests that the Anglo-Saxons didn't name Saturday, Sunday, and Monday because they had all gone off for a long weekend.

What did Christian missionaries bring with them that influenced the English language?

Christian missionaries brought leaflets about jumble sales and more Latin, which influenced the English language.

What new words did the locals adopt after the spread of Christianity?

The locals adopted new words like 'martyr', 'bishop', and 'font' after the spread of Christianity.

Which group of people brought action-man words and a love of pickled herring to the English language?

The Vikings brought action-man words like 'drag', 'ransack', 'thrust', and 'die', and a love of pickled herring to the English language.

What is the humorous phrase attributed to the Vikings in the script?

The humorous phrase attributed to the Vikings in the script is 'watch out for that man with the enormous axe.'

How many words did the Vikings contribute to the English language, according to the script?

According to the script, the Vikings contributed around 2000 words to the English language.