Контроль читання. The History of English. Level B1.

The Amazing Story of the English Language

The English language is spoken by many people all over the world. But where did it come from? The story of English is a long and interesting one. It involves different groups of people, invasions, and lots of changes.

Long ago, around the 5th century, some tribes called the Anglo-Saxons came to Britain. They came from places like Germany and Denmark. They spoke different languages that were similar. These languages mixed together and became what we now call Old English. Old English is very different from the English we speak today. It would be hard for us to understand it.

Later, the Vikings came to Britain. They spoke a language called Old Norse. Old English and Old Norse were alike in some ways, so the people could understand each other a little. The Vikings also added some new words to the language.

Then, in 1066, the Normans invaded England. They spoke Norman French. For a while, Norman French became the language of the important people. Many French words were added to English, especially words about law, government, and food. This mix of Old English and French is called Middle English.

Over time, English kept changing. People started using new words and new ways of saying things. Today, we speak Modern English. English is still changing, with new words being added all the time. English has borrowed words from many languages. That is why it can sometimes be hard to spell or say words. But it also makes English a very rich and interesting language.

1. Where did the Anglo-Saxons come from?

The Amazing Story of the English Language

The English language is spoken by many people all over the world. But where did it come from? The story of English is a long and interesting one. It involves different groups of people, invasions, and lots of changes.

Long ago, around the 5th century, some tribes called the Anglo-Saxons came to Britain. They came from places like Germany and Denmark. They spoke different languages that were similar. These languages mixed together and became what we now call Old English. Old English is very different from the English we speak today. It would be hard for us to understand it.

Later, the Vikings came to Britain. They spoke a language called Old Norse. Old English and Old Norse were alike in some ways, so the people could understand each other a little. The Vikings also added some new words to the language.

Then, in 1066, the Normans invaded England. They spoke Norman French. For a while, Norman French became the language of the important people. Many French words were added to English, especially words about law, government, and food. This mix of Old English and French is called Middle English.

Over time, English kept changing. People started using new words and new ways of saying things. Today, we speak Modern English. English is still changing, with new words being added all the time. English has borrowed words from many languages. That is why it can sometimes be hard to spell or say words. But it also makes English a very rich and interesting language.

2. What language did the Vikings speak?

The Amazing Story of the English Language

The English language is spoken by many people all over the world. But where did it come from? The story of English is a long and interesting one. It involves different groups of people, invasions, and lots of changes.

Long ago, around the 5th century, some tribes called the Anglo-Saxons came to Britain. They came from places like Germany and Denmark. They spoke different languages that were similar. These languages mixed together and became what we now call Old English. Old English is very different from the English we speak today. It would be hard for us to understand it.

Later, the Vikings came to Britain. They spoke a language called Old Norse. Old English and Old Norse were alike in some ways, so the people could understand each other a little. The Vikings also added some new words to the language.

Then, in 1066, the Normans invaded England. They spoke Norman French. For a while, Norman French became the language of the important people. Many French words were added to English, especially words about law, government, and food. This mix of Old English and French is called Middle English.

Over time, English kept changing. People started using new words and new ways of saying things. Today, we speak Modern English. English is still changing, with new words being added all the time. English has borrowed words from many languages. That is why it can sometimes be hard to spell or say words. But it also makes English a very rich and interesting language.

3. When did the Normans invade England?