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Semester 4: ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS
Descent of English Language from Indo-European family, Stages (Old, Middle, Modern English), Influence of Greek, Latin, Scandinavian, French, Indian languages, Growth of Vocabulary, Change of Meaning, Phonology (Vowels, Consonants, Diphthongs)
Descent of English Language from Indo-European Family
The English language is part of the Indo-European family of languages, which includes a wide range of languages spoken across Europe and parts of Asia. The roots of this family can be traced back to a common ancestral language, which evolved over time and branched into different languages. English specifically descends from the Germanic branch of this family.
Stages of English Language
The evolution of the English language is divided into three main stages: Old English (circa 450-1150 AD), Middle English (circa 1150-1500 AD), and Modern English (from 1500 AD to present). Old English was heavily influenced by Germanic languages. Middle English saw the influence of Norman French due to the Norman Conquest, and Modern English began taking shape with the Great Vowel Shift and the Renaissance's influence.
Influence of Other Languages
English has borrowed extensively from various languages throughout its history. Latin and Greek have influenced vocabulary and scientific terminology. Scandinavian languages contributed during the Viking invasions, and Norman French impacted vocabulary, particularly in law, art, and government. Additionally, Indian languages have contributed terms mainly during the colonial period.
Growth of Vocabulary
English has one of the largest vocabularies of any language, largely due to its history of borrowing from other languages. This growth has occurred through procedures like compounding, affixation, and borrowing, making English lexically rich and diverse.
Change of Meaning
Meanings of words in English have changed over time, often leading to semantic shifts. Some words have developed new meanings, while others have fallen out of use. This change is influenced by cultural trends, technology, and social interaction.
Phonology
Phonology in English involves the study of sounds, including vowels, consonants, and diphthongs. Vowels in English can be categorized into short and long sounds, while consonants exhibit varied articulation. Diphthongs are complex vowel sounds that begin with one vowel and glide into another, reflecting the fluid nature of English pronunciation.
