The Seven Ages of English Language History Explained

English didn’t become a global language overnight. It went through a long journey, influenced by different invasions, cultures, and social changes. This journey is often described through the "Seven Ages of English," a timeline that shows how the language developed from its early days to the international language we use today.

The Pre English Period

Before English existed, the people of Britain spoke Celtic languages. The Celts were the native people of the island. Then came the Roman invasion. The Romans brought Latin, which started mixing with the local Celtic speech. At that time, people in Britain spoke both Latin and Celtic. Even the island itself was known by its Latin name, Britannia.

Early Old English

After the Romans withdrew, new groups from Europe arrived, like the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. They brought their own Germanic dialects, which laid the foundation for English. During this period, English started borrowing more words from Latin, and the earliest pieces of English literature began to appear.

Later Old English

Then came the Vikings from Scandinavia. Their invasions had a strong impact on English. Many Old Norse words entered the language, and the grammar of English also began to shift. This made English sound very different from before.

Middle English

This stage began when the Normans invaded England in 1066. They brought the French language with them, and for a while, French became the language of the government and the elite. At that time, educated people often knew three languages: Latin, French, and English. This was also when England started to be recognized as a political entity within Britain.

Early Modern English

During Shakespeare’s time and the Elizabethan period, English became stronger. It was now used in government and literature. As the British Empire expanded, English spread to other countries like America, India, and Australia. Each region started to develop its own version or variety of English.

Modern English

By this stage, Britain had become a powerful empire. English was being taught in many parts of the world. It was no longer just a British language. It was becoming an international one, with more people using it for education, science, trade, and communication.

Late Modern English

This is where we are now. English has become the global language. It has its own varieties such as British, American, Australian, and others, and it's used around the world in different fields. From the internet to international politics, English has become a standard that many people rely on.

References

Seven Ages of English, n.d., educational document, viewed 19 June 2025, (Link).