Old English language, also called Anglo-Saxon, language spoken and written in England before 1100; it is the ancestor of Middle English and Modern English. Scholars place Old English in the Anglo-Frisian group of West Germanic languages. It differs from region to region, with different people who have helped it along it's way. So, English is made of Old English, Danish, Norse, and French, and has been changed by Latin, Greek, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Dutch and Spanish, and some words from other languages. English language experts say Geoffrey Chaucer was the first important writer to use the English language. Mostly, the rise of English to its position as the world's main international language was a result of chance. It was by the mid-fifteenth century that the Chancery Standard started to be used for all official purposes — with the notable exception of the Church (which continued to use Latin). Sign language exists not only in the United States, but everywhere. The following lists provide sample words to use when teaching the sounds of the English language. English grammar has also changed, becoming simpler and less Germanic. The short history of English How did English reach the special position in which it finds itself today? Though this page covers more than just who invented sign language, it's important American sign language history.

The English We Speak is your chance to catch up on the very latest English words and phrases.

Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr Johnson, was a writer, poet, and essayist, and is credited with being one of the most quoted people in the English language after Shakespeare. The English language was emerging around its London dialect, known as the Chancery Standard. You may choose to find more words to fill out word families or align with sight vocabulary lists such as a Dolch Word List.Your learners will benefit most from terms that are familiar to them or make sense in their life.