Depending on these research questions, the final findings and results of this thesis will be closely attached to the aims of the study, which is to present a short history of the English
INTRODUCTION
Necessity of the study
English has established itself as the global lingua franca, with many countries, including major economies like the United States, officially recognizing it as their mother tongue It has also become the standard language for international business and communication over the decades In the context of global integration, understanding legal English is essential, as law plays a crucial role in maintaining world order and facilitating international cooperation.
The rapid growth of English, particularly legal English, has increased the demand for specialized learning materials that provide effective guidance for learners Legal English is a complex and sophisticated field, posing significant challenges even for students with a strong foundation in general English Understanding legal terminology requires more than grasping common language; learners must familiarize themselves with archaic words and their historical meanings, as legal terms often do not align with everyday interpretations This complexity highlights the need for targeted resources to help learners navigate the intricacies of legal language effectively.
Many recent English learners are unaware of the historical background of the language they are studying, which is not a major concern for those using English primarily for daily communication or modern business transactions However, this lack of knowledge presents a significant challenge for linguistics students, especially those specializing in legal English, who require comprehensive materials on the history of English and its legal terminology There is an urgent need to develop high-quality research-based resources that enhance linguistic students' understanding of English history and offer engaging insights into Legal English By addressing this gap, we can support students and enthusiasts in gaining a deeper, more meaningful connection to the language.
Exploring a language through its literature offers a unique and engaging approach, revealing the language in its most expressive and imaginative form Reading literary works helps learners collect illustrative examples, enabling them to identify similarities and differences within the language more effectively This method provides a more inspiring and motivating learning experience compared to traditional academic approaches that focus solely on the history of the language Consequently, studying literature makes the language learning process more accessible and enjoyable, especially for students without a strong background in linguistics.
This thesis emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolution of English language development within its legal context across different historical periods It provides a comprehensive analysis of how legal backgrounds have influenced linguistic changes, making it a valuable resource for English learners and legal professionals alike By exploring the intersection of language and law, this research offers essential insights into legal English, aiding those passionate about mastering this specialized subset of the language Overall, it serves as a significant reference for individuals seeking to enhance their proficiency in legal English and understand its historical development.
Objectives of research
According to the previous reasons, this thesis includes several purposes
This research offers a comprehensive history of the English language, exploring its development across different periods It highlights key changes in vocabulary and grammar, providing valuable insights into how the language evolved over time By examining the historical background of each era, the study reveals the dynamic nature of English and its continuous linguistic transformation.
This article provides a brief evaluation of the key characteristics of legal English, highlighting how historical events have influenced its development Examples from English legal documents across different periods illustrate the evolution of legal language and terminology Understanding these historical influences is essential for mastering legal English and enhancing clarity in legal communication.
This article aims to serve as an informative resource for both linguistic students and language enthusiasts with a keen interest in linguistics It provides a unique and engaging perspective on the development of the English language, helping readers gain a broader understanding of its historical evolution By exploring the language's growth, this content offers valuable insights for anyone eager to deepen their knowledge of English's development process, regardless of their professional background.
Research questions
This essay explores the origins and evolution of the English language, highlighting how historical changes are reflected in English literature and legal documents Understanding the development of English provides valuable insights into its rich literary heritage and the evolution of legal terminology over time Recognizing this progression benefits practical applications by improving language comprehension, enhancing legal and literary analysis, and fostering a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage.
This study explores the language learning process of linguistic students, focusing on their experiences and challenges It aims to provide a brief history of the English language, emphasizing its development and significance in legal contexts Additionally, the research examines the referencing and usage of legal English in literature and legal texts written in English The findings contribute to understanding how students engage with legal language, supporting effective language acquisition and legal communication skills Overall, the study highlights the evolution of English and its role in legal documentation, offering insights valuable for educators and linguists alike.
Scope of the study
This thesis explores two key areas in linguistic research: the use of English language in literary works and the employment of legalese in English legal documents By analyzing these distinct domains, the study aims to enhance understanding of language variation and specialized terminology in both literature and legal contexts This focus provides valuable insights into how English is utilized across different fields, contributing to broader linguistic and legal language studies.
Methodology
This article employs multiple research methods to present a comprehensive and persuasive overview of English history Library research is used to analyze relevant academic papers and legal documents, ensuring the information's credibility and authority A comparative method is applied to examine past studies and legal texts, highlighting how the English language has evolved and assessing the benefits of these changes Additionally, the historical method is utilized to illustrate key historical elements found in English literary works and legal records, providing a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
This study offers a comprehensive overview of the history of the English language by analyzing the correlation between language development in literary works and legal documents across different historical periods The integration of these methodologies provides valuable insights into how the English language evolved over time Understanding this relationship enriches our knowledge of language formation and highlights the influence of societal and legal changes on linguistic development By examining both literary and legal texts, the study reveals the dynamic processes that shaped modern English, making it a vital resource for language historians and scholars.
Structure of research
This thesis is organized into five chapters, beginning with Chapter 1: Introduction, which outlines the study's background, objectives, research questions, and methodology Chapter 2: Literature Review offers a concise overview of relevant previous research and introduces the conceptual framework guiding this study The methodology section discusses the research approach, ensuring clarity on how the study is conducted.
Chapter 3: Methodology, which also gives readers a notion of the design and context of the study as well as the research instruments The most important part of the study lies
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion presents key findings that directly address the research questions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research outcomes In Chapter 5: Conclusion, the thesis is summarized by highlighting the main achievements and insights gained throughout the study Additionally, the conclusion offers practical suggestions for future research to overcome limitations encountered during the research process, paving the way for continued development and refinement in this field.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definition of key terms and related literature
2.1.1 English language in general and English literature
For decades, English has maintained its status as the global language, driven by its widespread use in international communication, business, and technology Although describing English as a simple word is challenging due to its complex evolution, linguists utilize both geographical and technical approaches to understand its diverse forms and global influence This linguistic diversity highlights English's role as a dynamic and multifaceted language shaped by centuries of historical and cultural developments.
To the extent of geographical interpretation, Tim William Machan (Machan, 2013, p
14) has once defined it by the geographic location of the language: “Equally limited as a determination of what is and is not English would be speakers’ geographic location, a criterion present since the Anglo-Saxon days of the Venerable Bede” Later, in their book about this language, Albert C Baugh and Thomas Cable (Baugh & Cable, 2005, p 10) indicated that: “English presents a somewhat familiar appearance to anyone who speaks either a Germanic or a Romance language”
Meanwhile, other academics tend to use a more technical definition of the term “English language” For instance, Rindal (Rindal, 2014, p 1)believes that English language is
The codification of a language in dictionaries and grammars helps preserve and standardize its usage According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, English is “the language, originally of England, now spoken in many other nations and used as a language of international communication worldwide.” This highlights that the concept of English is rooted in its West Germanic origins within the Indo-European language family Additionally, English is characterized by specific grammatical structures that define its linguistic identity.
6 rules governing the use of this language as well as the great number of words developed and recorded throughout the development process
Literature is an essential concept in language studies, closely linked to the arts of writing such as novels, plays, and poems (Oxford Learner's Dictionary) Scholars like Edward Said view literature as a reflection of the human experience, emphasizing its role in exploring existential possibilities through language’s symbolic expressions (Said, 1982) Wellek highlighted that historically, literature encompassed all high-quality writing with lasting significance during antiquity and the Renaissance (Wellek, 1978) Jim Meyer describes literary works as carefully crafted texts designed for aesthetic reading, characterized by intentional ambiguity and interpretative openness (Meyer, 1997) Overall, literature can be broadly defined as the creative, written products of authors in a specific language, with English literature including all poetic, prose, dramatic, and narrative works composed in English.
2.1.2 Legal language and legal documents
English has become a dominant global language, especially in the legal field, where it is used by lawyers in many countries and has influenced the development of major legal systems like those in the UK and the US Legal language, also known as legalese, is characterized by its complexity and specialized jargon, which many academics describe as intricate and challenging to understand This specialized language is often described as “mysterious in form and expression,” heavily laden with Latin and Norman French terms, and deeply rooted in historical legal traditions, making it largely archaic and difficult for laypeople to decipher.
Legal language, as described by Williams (2004, p 111), is a distinctive branch of English characterized by complex sentence structures, repetitive phrasing, the frequent use of Latin-derived terms, and an antiquated lexicon This specialized language comprises various genres, each with unique features, which collectively contribute to its formal and precise nature Recognized for its complexity, legal English serves as a crucial tool in the legal field for clarity, accuracy, and consistency in legal drafting and communication.
To grasp a better understanding of legal English, it is significant that the meaning of
A "legal document" is essential for understanding the evolution of legal language, as it represents key genres of written legal communication According to Collins Dictionary, it is "a document concerning a legal matter," or "a legally valid document," typically drafted by lawyers or legislators Legal documents serve as vital tools for addressing legal matters and include various types such as law codes, acts, treaties, contracts, bylaws, wills, and leases These documents exemplify the formal and precise nature of legal language, reflecting its development and significance in legal practice.
Previous studies
Legal English students often face frustration due to the limited availability of legal language analysis resources (legalese), which hampers their learning process In contrast, English literature tends to attract more scholarly attention, making it a more popular research topic This disparity highlights the need for further exploration of legal language, inspiring this graduation thesis Previous groundbreaking studies in legal language analysis serve as valuable references and motivation for this research.
When exploring linguistic literature, two renowned books stand out as essential reads: George Yule’s *Study of Language* (7th edition, 2020) and *A History of the English Language* by Albert C Baugh and Thomas Cable (2005) These works offer foundational insights into language formation, covering its origins and key characteristics during specific historical periods While Yule’s *Study of Language* provides a comprehensive overview of core linguistic aspects such as grammar, syntax, and phonology, it also delves into the historical development of English, offering a linguistic perspective for learners In contrast, Baugh and Cable’s *A History of the English Language* focuses more on the historical evolution and development of English, highlighting its key milestones and changes over time Both books are invaluable resources for understanding the complexities of language and English’s evolution, catering to learners and enthusiasts seeking a thorough grasp of linguistic theories and history.
The book on the history of English language primarily utilizes a historical approach, dividing content into sections aligned with different historical epochs This method vividly illustrates the evolution of English over time, highlighting significant linguistic changes in each era The authors effectively emphasize the detailed variances across different periods, providing a comprehensive understanding of the language's development throughout history.
William J Long's "English Literature" (2004) is a valuable resource for linguistic students, offering insights into exemplary literary works from various periods This educational book highlights the evolution of the English language through detailed analysis of literary elements and focused examination of the vocabulary used in each referenced work Exploring this book can significantly enhance understanding of how literature reflects linguistic development over time.
Specifically, there are books that take the historical approach to the English language, such as the English Language: A Historical Introduction by Charles Barber, Joan C
Beal and Philip A Shaw's book addresses the technical and narrow challenges of learning English by exploring its historical roots and linguistic evolution This research delves into the origins and historical factors that have shaped the development of the English language, providing valuable insights into its growth The study's aims and approach closely align with the objectives of understanding the brief history of English, making it a significant contribution to linguistic research and language learning strategies.
This article highlights the significance of specialized research on English legal language, with key contributions from scholars like Anna Schneiderová, whose work "Historical Background to English Legal Language" explores the historical evolution of legal terminology and offers insights into the challenges of understanding legalese Additionally, Sir John Baker's "An Introduction to English Legal History" provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the English legal system through different historical periods, making complex legal concepts more accessible and enriching readers' understanding of legal literature These works are essential for understanding the intricacies and historical context of English legal language, which remains a complex but crucial area of study.
Comprehensive studies on the formation of the English language emphasize its evolving grammar and vocabulary across different historical periods, highlighting key linguistic characteristics Literature has played a crucial role in preserving and illustrating language trends over time, serving as a vital cultural record However, many existing references lack sufficient coverage of both literary works and legal records, limiting the depth of understanding for linguistic scholars Integrating literary texts with legal documents offers a valuable approach to analyzing the development of English, providing deeper insights into its historical and structural evolution within legal systems This combined methodology enhances the comprehension of the rich history of the English language and its application in legal documentation.
Conceptual framework
This study examines the chronological development of the English language by analyzing key literature in plain English and legalese, highlighting linguistic changes over time It focuses on three main aspects: historical background, vocabulary development, and shifts in grammar usage The analysis begins with an exploration of past events to demonstrate how English grammar and syntax have evolved alongside the introduction of new vocabulary Special emphasis is placed on word formation processes to illustrate language development, especially within legal discourse, where precise terminology is crucial Finally, the study compares grammar and syntax, emphasizing that vocabulary alone cannot convey meaning unless structured correctly through grammatical rules, which ensure coherent and comprehensive communication.
The history of the English language can be divided into four major periods characterized by significant linguistic changes Initially, the settlement of Anglo-Saxon peoples laid the foundation of the language, followed by its development and transformation during the Norman conquest, as documented in sources like Mrs Nguyen Thi Kieu Thu and Mrs Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung’s "A Course in British Literature" and Sir John Baker’s "An Introduction to English Legal History." The Early Modern English period marked a resurgence in prestige, characterized by the Great Vowel Shift and the emergence of a distinct identity Lastly, the Modern English era, beginning around 1800 before Queen Victoria's reign, has solidified the language's position as a global lingua franca, highlighting its unique characteristics and linguistic evolution.
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The following table describes the conceptual framework of this study:
Table 1: Conceptual framework of the study
– Collection of Instruments – Book One
Poem: famous poetry Geoffrey Chaucer –
1660 – 1798: the Restoration and the beginning of the Romantic period
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METHODOLOGY
Research questions
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Context and design of the study
Since this study is conducted by a legal English student, therefore, it is approached from
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This study employs a qualitative design to effectively address its research questions, focusing on analyzing literature, key academic papers, books, and studies related to the history and formation of the English language The initial phase involves a comprehensive review of existing literature to explore the origins and development of English Subsequently, the research investigates how changes in the English language influence teaching practices, emphasizing the impact of linguistic elements in course materials and literary works By examining diverse textual resources such as academic journals, literature, and other relevant texts, the study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the evolution and application of English language features in educational contexts.
Research instruments
This research primarily relies on various sources related to the thesis topic to ensure a comprehensive understanding As a qualitative study, it emphasizes analyzing relevant existing studies and literature to inform the research process The main research instruments include previously published studies and scholarly articles pertinent to the thesis subject, ensuring the research is well-founded and credible.
This study leverages a variety of reputable sources, including books, scientific articles, and scholarly studies, accessed through both online and offline libraries, as well as search engines like Google Scholar and ResearchGate Additionally, supplementary references such as video lectures from online courses in linguistics, history, and legal fields are incorporated to enrich the research Utilizing these diverse tools ensures efficient and cost-effective access to a wide range of expert knowledge worldwide Overall, the comprehensive collection of existing research and new studies identified through this process are directly connected to the core issue, supporting a well-rounded and authoritative analysis.
Analysis procedure
This study’s findings are carefully aligned with the established research analysis procedures It focuses on three key topics, addressed through two main steps, ensuring a comprehensive exploration Each topic is thoroughly reviewed by analyzing multiple prior studies conducted by notable scholars, providing a solid foundation for the research’s conclusions.
This study begins by identifying key historical periods marked by significant changes in the English language and the development of English legal terminology It leverages prior research on the evolution of the English language and legal language, including authoritative sources like *A History of the English Language* by Albert C Baugh and Thomas Cable, and *An Introduction to English Legal History* (5th Edition) by Sir John Baker The research synthesizes linguistic and legal historical data to highlight crucial events that shaped the formation and transformation of the English language and its legal subsets, providing a comprehensive overview of its historical progression.
This article compares different historical periods of the English language based on three key criteria: historical background, vocabulary and word formation, and grammar and syntax The analysis employs linguistic methods, utilizing scientific studies on language change and evolution over time Additionally, the article provides an overview of original literary works from each period to illustrate the linguistic developments.
This article explores the conceptual framework that illustrates changes in language across different periods It includes a thorough analysis of insights from renowned linguistics experts, such as George Yule's *Study of Language* (7th edition) and William J Long's *English Literature* (2004) The discussion highlights how language variation evolves over time and emphasizes the importance of understanding linguistic shifts through scholarly perspectives By examining these authoritative sources, the article provides a comprehensive overview of language change and its significance in literary and linguistic studies.
This article discusses the evolution of legal English by analyzing renowned historical works, noting that unlike English literature, legal documents are scarce, difficult to access, and vary significantly in language Due to these challenges, specific examples of legal English are not included in this analysis; instead, the focus is on the broader historical changes in legal language These changes are illustrated through references to the International Law Handbook (Book One) published by the United Nations in 2017, which compiles international conventions, treaties, and legal terminology By examining these developments, the article thoroughly explores how the characteristics of English and legalese have evolved over time, setting the foundation for subsequent analysis.
This article analyzes the growth of the English language and its application in students' language learning processes It discusses the role of English courses focusing on general language skills and legal language, highlighting how course books and lectures reflect the distinct nature of legal English Through comparative analysis, the research provides valuable insights into effective teaching approaches for English and legal language acquisition.
This research employs a comprehensive literature-based approach, utilizing multiple methodologies to analyze the historical variations in the English language By integrating these research methods, the study aims to produce compelling insights into the evolution of English over time The findings derived from this methodologically diverse approach will provide persuasive evidence in the upcoming chapter, contributing significantly to understanding language development through a scholarly, library-research framework.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Findings and discussion of results
English language, rooted in the Low West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family, evolved through distinct historical periods It first appeared during the Old English era (around 450 to 1066 AD), transitioned into the Middle English period (1066 to 1485), and underwent significant changes during the Early Modern English period (approximately 1485 to 1798) Today, English continues to thrive in the Modern English era (from 1798 to present), developing into a highly organized system of grammar and vocabulary that has been systematically studied and standardized for global use.
Legal English developed later than the general English language, with its origins linked to historical events such as the Anglo-Saxon and Norman invasions of England, which necessitated the creation of specialized normative documents These early documents used a more specific and formal language to govern the colony effectively Although many archaic legal texts exist, this article focuses on three significant legal works from the years 1215, 1830, and 1980, illustrating the evolution of legal language over time.
This thesis analyzes the historical evolution of the language by examining each period's unique characteristics, starting with an overview of the Old English period It explores how language features developed over time within their historical contexts, providing a comprehensive understanding of linguistic changes throughout history.
4.1.1 Historical background of general English language and its corresponding characteristics
The Old English period, spanning from 450 to 1066 AD, marks a pivotal era when the Anglo-Saxons established dominance and laid the groundwork for the development of the English language Prior to this, significant conquests by the Romans and Germanic tribes introduced Latin and Germanic languages to the island, shaping its linguistic history These early influences and subsequent Anglo-Saxon heritage created a rich linguistic foundation that would evolve into modern English.
16 existence of a few traces of each language in the language used in England during the Old English period
Since the Roman conquest in 43 A.D., Britain was under Roman rule for over 300 years, with Romanisation leaving a lasting impact across the island Evidence of Roman civilisation, including a sophisticated transportation network of five major highways and numerous smaller roads, connected cities and towns throughout Britain Roman architecture, characterized by baths, residences, temples, and theatres adorned with mosaics and stucco-painted walls, is still evident today Roman ornaments discovered in Britain date back to this period, reflecting the lasting influence of Roman culture Latin, the Roman language, was introduced but remained limited to the lower classes and rural populations, as it was not widely popular among British citizens Consequently, Latin gradually declined and was replaced by Germanic languages following the invasion of German tribes in the early 5th century.
In 410 A.D., Britain's societal collapse began as Roman forces retreated from the region Despite this decline, Latin continued to be widely used among residents, laying the foundation for the development of the English language Additionally, the influence of Germanic tribes, who arrived during the second major conquest in 449 A.D., left enduring traces in Britain’s linguistic landscape.
The conquest of England was carried out by Germanic tribes, considered the founders of the English nation These groups, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, migrated to Britain during different periods, though the exact years and locations of their arrival remain unclear Historical traces, such as the Anglo-Saxons Chronicle, indicate that these tribes settled in Britain following sporadic conflicts that began during the Roman colonial period.
In 410 A.D., the Celts, who relied on Roman protection from northern Picts and Scots, were neglected by the Romans as they focused on defending Italy, prompting the Celts to seek aid from the Jutes The Jutes agreed to assist in defending against Picts and Scots in exchange for the Isle of Thanet in northeastern Kent However, the Jutes eventually displaced the Celtic tribes from their land and took control of Kent Following the Jutes' invasion, the Saxons began occupying Britain’s south coast around 477 A.D., establishing settlements in Sussex, Wessex, Essex, and Middlesex The last significant migration was by the Angles, who first appeared in northern Britain near the Humber in 547 A.D and settled in East Anglia by the late 5th century, shaping the early Saxon presence in Britain.
The conquest of tribes led to the formation of several kingdoms under the Anglo-Saxon civilization, driven by organized family and clan societies As the civilization expanded, it fostered cultural growth, including the spread of Germanic languages Early English emerged as a blend of multiple dialects, which varied across regions and influenced local speech patterns Despite minor differences, these dialects are identifiable in historic texts like charters, runic inscriptions, poetry, and early Bible translations.
4.1.1.1.2 Characteristics of Old English period:
Old English has undergone significant transformations over time, making it a challenging language to study and understand Researchers often face difficulties in analyzing its unique features, particularly its distinctive lexicon and complex grammar Despite these challenges, studying Old English is essential for comprehending the linguistic evolution of the English language.
In terms of the lexicon, Old English rarely employed any Latin and French words, which, according to some linguists, account for more than half of all words in current
Since the expansion of Anglo-Saxon dominance across Britain led to the decline of Celtic languages, Old English was primarily rooted in Germanic terminology However, the Norman Conquest significantly impacted the language, causing the majority of the Old English lexicon to be lost as French and Latin words were adopted into the vocabulary.
During the Old English period, Germanic vocabulary underwent significant changes, with many words transforming into simpler forms that preserve their original meanings or adopting new meanings altogether Some words evolved into less complex combinations of letters while maintaining core definitions, whereas others diverged entirely, reflecting shifts in language use and cultural influences Over time, numerous words also perished, resulting in a vocabulary that is markedly different from its original Germanic roots These changes can be categorized into two main groups: words that retained their core meanings through adaptation, and those that either changed in meaning or disappeared altogether.
The first group: contains those which had completely perished in the course of time
According to Pyles & Algeo (Pyles & Algeo, 2010), a few missing words can be listed as follows:
Table 2: Old English words that vanished
No Original words Its meanings in Modern English
3 duguþ band of noble retainers
8 mund palm of the hand
12 scēat region, surface of the earth
Some words have evolved in meaning over time, such as "hence," which originally denoted "protection" but has now shifted to signify implication or result Understanding these semantic changes is crucial for accurate comprehension and effective communication Recognizing the transformation of words like "hence" enhances SEO by clarifying language nuances important for content relevance and search intent Staying aware of such linguistic shifts can improve the quality and clarity of your writing, making it more engaging for readers and better optimized for search engines.
‘trust’), is now conveying the same meaning as “because”; or the word “here” which was originally a noun representing ‘army’ is now considered as an adverb for defining places
The second group: the vocabulary which has survived in Modern English in the transformed forms
The Beowulf epic serves as an excellent example for understanding key literary terms and themes This renowned 3,000-line folk poem narrates the heroic adventure of Beowulf, who fights the monstrous Grendel threatening King Hrothgar’s land Using Beowulf's story helps to clarify complex vocabulary related to epic poetry, heroism, and legendary monsters, making it easier to grasp the essential elements of heroic folklore.
The work is believed to have been composed in England around the 8th century, although its exact establishing date remains uncertain Originally an oral-formulaic poem performed publicly through singing or chanting at courts and on the streets, it took centuries to transition from oral tradition to written form The manuscript was likely created between 975 and 1025, with its first known owner being Laurence Nowell, a pioneering scholar of Old English, before becoming part of the Cotton Vitellius collection.
A XV collected by Sir Robert Cotton, which gradually belonged to the British Library in 1973
Summary
This research provides a clear overview by summarizing key findings in a comprehensive table, highlighting the main insights from both the first and second findings discussed earlier in this chapter.
Table 14: Summary of the development of English language and legal English language
- The emergence of Germanic vocabulary in Old English lexicon, which either died out during the development process or survive until modern times
- Referencing in Beowulf’s use of words
- A synthetic language, which adopts various inflectional endings on words
- English Civil war during the 14 th century
- The diminish of native words
- An influx of foreign borrowings into English lexicon, mostly from Latin and Latin in the forms of French words
- The variation of word meanings
- The abandonment of some inflectional endings
- The reduction of grammatical inflections
- The changes in the order of words in a sentence
- Introduction of printing press and development of popular education and other technical fields during the early Modern
- Developments in political and literature fields of England
- Foreign borrowings was still a major source of the early Modern English period
- The growth of literary language in English, referencing in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, John Donne’s The Sun
- The changes in personal pronouns
- Introduction of new cases of genitive
- The popularity of double comparative forms in British literature during the early Modern English period
- English language during the Romantic period
- English language during the Victorian period
- English language from the beginning of the 20 th century until present
- Some differences in word use between British and American English, referencing in
- The introduction of new standard English vocabulary and the raise of slang reflecting in Charles Dickens’ Oliver
Twist and other literary works in comparison with James Joyce’s
- The rise of informal language and introduction of some new grammatical structures (passive “get” structure)
- English grammar has been systematised into guidance books to support English learners’ study process
- The Roman legal system and Latin terms affecting
English legal language before the Anglo-Saxon period
- Latin and French dominated the legal language of England during the Mediaeval times
Latin in later centuries and a growth of English legal language
French and archaic words remains
- Archaic words, Latin terms as well as archaic compounds of adverbs and prepositional phrases referencing in
Magna Carta (1215) and International Law
- Words with specific legal meanings
- The repeated appearance of words, phrases and certain structures in legal documents
- A neutral style of writing in legal documents
- The trend towards nominalization in legal texts