Write a note on the Origin and development of the English language.
Language has been a mystery for a long time. It is a means of communication, entertainment and command. However, we are not in a position to say anything authentically about the origin and nature of language though several theories have been formed in support of it.
In the sight of Indian scholars, Sanskrit is a language of God's so-called ' Devbhasha '. The other ancient civilizations have the same view. But now it has been proved by Philologists ( language - experts ) that language is man's creation and it has evolved gradually passing through different phases.
Nature of the Language; its Phonology, Morphology and Syntax Ferdinand de Saussure proved that the relationship between the word and concept, it refers to, is arbitrary. On the whole, we can say that language is the result of ounds caused by ma strong emotions and the first articulation of children.
 |
| explain the origin and development of the english language |
Man, in the beginning, used a limited set of sounds as animals do even Fr today - but, later on, he larger the number of sounds and words because of his mental ability and adventurous habit. But all this happened in Prehistorical times and now it will be foolish to go deep into the origin of language.
Development of the English language
The place of English language in antiquity was not reputed. It was merely spoken by rustics and lower class of the society. Upper-class family and higher-middle - class family were too far from this language.
They neglected it. English was not the language of literature up till 9th century. Emile Legouis writes, " Slight as is the aesthetic value of Anglo-Normal Literature, it is great in comparison with the literature of the same - time written in English, a tongue now greatly handcapped by the disdain in which it was held , and by the loss of tradition and lack of culture.
Those who used it were often illiterate men, writing for unlearned people. In Fact, the feeling of that Anglo-Norman was a French that was becoming increasingly corrupt and that English was not literary language, led the more intelligent to write in Latin.
"In fact, Latin was dominating language in the then society, It was the language of scholars throughout Europe and use of Latin in England was in general way of life of aristocrats and civil society. On the other hand, there was no significance of English language.
Beneath the twofold oppression of Anglo-Normal and Latin writing English lay Prone for three centuries after the battle of Hastings. After that English started to sprout. Circumstances came in favour of English language. There are
mainly two causes which are responsible for this fact.
( i ) English writers began to translate literary work from the French.
( ii ) Modifications began deeply in English language. In this way new terms and words were supplied by the Normans and these terms and words went on making there place in the language. By the way Modern English was formed with the help of words of French Origin or derived French from origin Latin and Greek.
The following factors are responsible in the flourishment of English language:
Contribution of Bible and Religious Work
Religion is the center of common people. In this connection translation of the Bible and other religious works played very important role in the development of English. Wycliff made the first complete version of the Bible in English in 1382.
Tyndale translated the new testament in 1525, Rickett writes, .... Tyndale's translation, however being freely used so far as it went. " All these works appeared at the end of the 12th century. The common people read the book more and more to get salvation. Thus in the name of religion English language became popular among the people who believed in Christianity.
Contribution of Chaucer ( 1350-1400A.D. )
The process of development began in English language but the Pace of development was yet very slow. In the field of literature English language had only translations of French and Latin works. It had not achieved its price and place until now. In the meantime Chaucer came into existence. He composed a long descriptive poem the " Canterbury Tales ".
He chose thirty pilgrims and drew a portrait of each one. He also used dialects. Infact Chaucer was very much influenced by contemporary italian literature. He drew the real picture of the then society in his composition. His portrait of pilgrims form prologue which displays his sense of humour and irony. Thus Chaucer wheeled English language and it began to run.
Renaissance and its Impact
Every aspect of life was changing during Renaissance. English language also achieved its proper value in 15th and 16th century. English came in existence on the world map and it became the language of cultured society. Thomas Wyatt ( 1503 ) and Surey ( 1517 ) brought sonnets from Italy and served English literature in a large measure.
Arcadia of Philip Sidney ( 1554 ) is a remarkable piece of writing. According to Arthur Compton Rickett Sidney is, " Less brilliant then marvellous, less witty than Lyly, ... he has produced a body of work which form its versatile excellence places him in the foremost rank of his time. " Renaissance, or Eliz - Bethan period is considered a golden period in the area of English literature.
It was full of poets, dramatists and essayists. Marlow, Shakespeare, Spencer and Bacon are shining stars of this period. They served English language and literature the most and English achieved its highest position and glory during this period. Francis bacon ( 1561-1626 A.D. ) cultivated a new style of prose so called ' aphoristic '. He is considered the father of English Prose. His Essays and Advancement of Learning brought him among great writers of English Prose.
Role of William Shakespeare : ( 1564-1616 A.D. )
William Shakespeare is considered as an Universal talent. He owned Global, theatre. It was centre of the interest of common people. His masterpiece works attracted each and every one. Lords and Ladies were also influenced by his creation. He reveled every aspect of life very clearly in his plays. He wrote 37 Plays including tragedies and comedies.
Macbeth, king Lear, Othello, Hamlet - these four tragedies are considered as the masterpieces. Besides many of his comedies and historical plays are of world fame . As a matter of fact English became language of lords and ladies . Shakespeare has thought groundings as well as aristocrats in his plays.
Later on in 17th and 18th century many great poets, writers and novelists served English literature and enriched English language. After that in 19th century English became an international language. Addisionally political thinking and technical development influenced the development of English language. Now - a - days English has secured its place in every advance family and paperless high-tech Offices even in India.
Nature of English Language:
We do not have clear notions about the nature of language even in present time. The Spanish Emperor Charles V had expressed the opinion that English was the proper language of Commerce, German for warfare, French for woman, Italian for friends and Spanish for the worship of God. In our country, Sanskrit is considered the most scientific language. The nature of English language are given below:
1. English language has its own phonology ( Science of sound ). There are 26 letters in English and 44 phonemes ( sounds ). These phonemes are divided into two kinds- Vowel and consonant. Further vowel is divided into two kinds- Pure vowel and diphthongs. As a matter of fact English is the easiest language of expression.
2. Language is limited to human beings. So is the case with the English language. Animals are not gifted with language.
3. There are four skills in the English language. They are
Reading,
Writing,
Speaking
Listening.
The written language uses visual symbols to write.
4. English language is evolutionary and dynamic in nature. Words of other language are accepted and use in it e.g. ' Namaskar ', ' Dhoti ' etc. There is a process to form newly words through evolution such as ' Brunch ' for breakfast + lunch, ' Motorol ' for Motor + oil etc.
5. English language is rich in literature. It involves free and meaningful ideas or concepts. Literature of this language is full of variety and Philosophy. Written script of language is count very high among the people.
6. English language is well-known for its changing nature. It has undergone many changes. We have difference between the old English and modern English, Chaucerian English and middle - age English, the English of Britain and American English.
Ⓡ is not pronounced in British English if it is preceded by a vowel, e.g. over is pronounced as ( OVI ). In the same way ( S ) is not pronounced in prnerican English, e.g. yes is pronounced as ( Yd ) in American English. We have differences of spelling between British English and American English e.g.
Colour - American spelling
Hello
Colour - British spelling
Hello
In this way, English language is useful and is accepted throughout the world.
Related Information:
- Plot construction of 'She Stoops to Conquer'
- English Comedy before Goldsmith
- Sentimental Comedy: Reaction of Goldsmith against it
- Character and role of Miss Neville
- Discuss She Stoops to Conquer as a Sentimental Comedy
- Discuss Goldsmith's View of Sentimental Comedy
- Give an estimate of Goldsmith as a dramatist
- Contribution of Goldsmith as a Dramatist
- Oliver Goldsmith: Social and Political setting
- Life and works of Oliver Goldsmith
