English Class 11 Chapter 2 Notes Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

English Down the Ages

Global Significance of the English Language:

• Perception vs. Reality:
  • English is often perceived as the most widely spoken language in the world due to its global presence and influence.
  • However, Mandarin Chinese holds the distinction of being the language spoken by the most people worldwide, with approximately 873 million speakers.
  • English is spoken by about 309 million people, making it the second most spoken language globally, followed by Hindi.
• Age and Literary Impact:
  • English is relatively young, with a history spanning roughly 1,500 years.
  • The form of English we are familiar with today has developed over the last five centuries.
  • Despite its age, English has produced world-class literature in various genres, with renowned authors like Shakespeare, Wordsworth, and Milton contributing significantly to its literary heritage.

Periods in the History of the English Language:

The evolution of the English language can be categorized into three main periods:

1. Old English (OE) – AD 449 to AD 1066:
   • Characteristics:
     • Old English was primarily the language of everyday speech for the common people.
     • This period is marked by the use of inflections, grammatical changes at the end of words to express different meanings.
     • Over time, these inflections were gradually leveled, reducing their significance in the language.
   • Literary Output:
     • The literary production of the Old English period was minimal, partly due to the lack of court patronage, leading to this era being referred to as the Dark Age.
2. Middle English (ME) – AD 1150 to AD 1500:
   • Emergence as a Literary Language:
     • From 1150 onwards, English began to establish itself as a language of literature.
     • The language was enriched by extensive borrowings from French and Latin, enhancing its vocabulary and expressiveness.
   • Key Developments:
     • The invention of the printing press in 1476 played a crucial role in the standardization and dissemination of English.
     • A significant rise in literacy rates contributed to the increased use and development of the language.
     • The Great Vowel Shift, a major phonological change, occurred during this period, affecting the pronunciation of long vowels and further distinguishing Middle English from its predecessors.
3. Modern English – AD 1500 onwards:
   • Early Modern to New English:
     • The period from AD 1500 to the present is referred to as Modern English.
     • Recently, linguists have started to distinguish between Modern English and New English, reflecting the language’s evolution over the centuries.
   • Global Expansion:
     • Initially, English was confined to the British Isles. However, with the territorial expansion of the British Empire, the language spread globally.
     • The growth of science, industry, politics, and literature during this time contributed to the enrichment of the English vocabulary.
   • Emergence of New Englishes:
     • In the 20th century, as former British colonies gained independence, English remained a dominant language in these regions.
     • New varieties of English, such as American English, Indian English, and Canadian English, emerged, each with its own unique characteristics.
     • The current era is often referred to as the period of “New Englishes,” highlighting the language’s adaptability and its role in global communication.