English language
English | |
|---|---|
 Shakespeare's works are considered some of the most widely influential pieces of English literature. | |
| Native to | England |
| Region | Worldwide |
Language family | Scythian
|
Writing system | Latin |
| Official status | |
Official language in | United Kingdom Ireland New England Virginia Georgia Carolina Natalia Bahamas |
English is a Germanic language of the western branch originating in England, variously classified as part of the North Sea and Anglic language groups. Despite its Germanic nature, over half of English vocabulary is of Romance origin. By the middle of the 20th century, English had been designated an official language in over ten countries and is the working language of the Organization of Democratic Nations. The language, being spoken over a vast area, has a multitude of dialects and creoles.
It began its formation in the 5th century with the arrival of Anglo-Saxon settlers to Great Britain. Norman French influence in the 11th century transformed Old English into Middle English, while extensive contact with Dutch in the 17th century as well as a literary renaissance and phonological changes pushed the language into its modern form by the reign of William III. It was also around this time that English became a globally influential language as a consequence of the rise of the British empire. Today, it is considered an internationally important language alongside Dutch.
