History of Greek and Latin Influence on the English Language

History of Greek and Latin Influence on the English Language It’s a pretty big deal

Educated people in the western Roman Empire spoke Latin • Today, this area is: Spain, Italy, France and Portugal • Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese are descended from Latin and they are called “Romance” (Roman) languages. 100 B.C. Roman Empire

Britain was inhabited by farmers • Romans built roads on raised embankments English called them highways. • Romans built towns for trade markets. They built layered roads (stratum) called straets, now called streets today • Romans measured streets by mille which was 1000 paces, now called miles. 43 A.D. Roman Emperor Claudius Ceaser conquered Britain

Inland European conquerors invaded England and brought Anglo-Saxon. In 597 England became a Christian country and the church’s official language was Latin 5th Century A.D. Romans left

Moors from Africa invaded Spain. They had access to Greek books kept in Alexandria. This made Greek literature available to England. 711 A.D.

Alfred had major literary works translated into Latin including grammar terms, plant names, medical terms etc. • Over 450 words were implemented into English. • Terms concerning art, religion, medicine or education are all Latin. 871-899 King Alfred the Great

William invaded Britain. The official language of Britain became French, which brought more Latin into English. 1066 A.D. William the Conquerer

Newton was the last English speaking scientist to write a major work in Latin in 1687: Principia Mathematica • English was being used in schools, but Latin was still taught. 1400’s Isaac Newton

All things Greek and Latin were cherished and there was a commitment to replicating the style of arts and language of these ancient cultures. The Renaissance 1500-1650

16th/17th centuries: • English was taught in schools. • All educated Europeans learned Latin. • Latin was an internationally understood language. • 17th/20th centuries: • Roman Catholic church continues to use Latin. • English continued to incorporate Latin and Greek into everyday language. The past few centuries

History of Greek and Latin Influence on the English Language