The History of                English

BY: ANTHONY RUANO

The history of the English language actually began with the arrival of three Germanic tribes that invaded Britain during the 5th century AD. 

At that time, the inhabitants of Britain spoke a Celtic language. But most of the speakers of the Celtic language were pushed westward and northward by the invaders, mainly into what is now Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Old English

Old English did not sound or look like English today. Native English speakers would have great difficulty understanding Old English. However, about half of the most commonly used words in modern English have roots in Old English.