Modern English was formed from Old English over
A. 100 years
B. 500 years
C. 700 years
D. 1000 years
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. 500 years.
Modern English gradually evolved from Old English over a period of approximately 500 years. Old English, which was spoken in England from around the 5th to the 12th centuries, was influenced heavily by the Anglo-Saxon language. This language was derived from a mixture of Germanic tribes that settled in Britain, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
During the Norman Conquest in 1066, the English language underwent significant changes. The Normans, who spoke a form of Old French, brought their language with them, and it began to mix with Old English. This period is known as the Middle English period (approximately 1150-1500). The influence of Norman French led to the addition of many Latin-based words into the English language, especially in the areas of law, government, and religion. This is when many words of French origin entered English, such as “court,” “judge,” and “council.”
By the 15th century, during the Early Modern English period (approximately 1500-1700), the language underwent further changes. The Great Vowel Shift, a major phonological change, transformed the pronunciation of vowels. Additionally, the printing press, introduced by William Caxton in 1476, helped standardize spelling and grammar, contributing to the spread of Modern English.
In summary, Modern English was formed over roughly 500 years, from the Old English of the Anglo-Saxons, through Middle English with its French influences, and into the Early Modern English we recognize today. This gradual development reflects changes in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar influenced by historical events and contact with other languages.