1980s onwards
By 1000 AD
From the 19th century to the 1930s
1476
From 55 BC
From the 1600s until the late 1800s
1500 onwards
From 793 AD
1611
From 449 AD
1977
1066
1948
The 20th Century
In the 1100s
From the 1800s
1755
By 400 BC
1828
1380s
English continues to spread as a global language thanks to the internet and cyberspace. It becomes more common as a second language in India and parts of Africa.
Jewish, Polish and other Eastern European peoples flee persecution in Russia and Germany. Many come to England but even more cross the Atlantic to America.
The Normans invade England under William the Conqueror. Norman French is established as the language of the ruling classes and Anglo-Saxon is relegated to the lower classes.
Viking raids begin in earnest with the sacking of monasteries in Northumberland. Over the next 250 years Old Norse elements of language become blended with Anglo-Saxon.
The Industrial Revolution brings new technical and social words to English. More widespread education means that writers of popular fiction like Charles Dickens have a readership.
The Empire Windrush arrives at Tilbury carrying 492 passengers from Jamaica wishing to start a new life in the United Kingdom.
William Caxton introduces the printing press.
Invasions of peoples from Northern Europe begin: Jutes, Angles and Saxons, speaking Germanic languages known as Anglo-Saxon. Celtic words are gradually replaced.
The interest in the learning of ancient Rome and Greece during the Renaissance leads to words of Latin and Greek origin entering English.
The Bible is translated into English by John Wyclif. He uses the dialect used in London, helping this to become accepted as the standard.
Crusaders returning from what is now the Middle East bring back Arabic words amid the spoils of war. Words such as damask, assassin, divan and kiosk enter English.
Noah Webster’s American English dictionary is published, showing that two dialects are emerging: American English and British English.
Old English has developed from Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse. Literature in this language flourishes.
After the Americas are discovered, the British Empire begins to expand throughout the world. Through commerce, war, invasion and the slave trade, words from Native American, Australian, Maori, Chinese and African languages enter English.
The Romans land in Britain and soon colonise the islands. The ruling classes of Britain adopt Latin as an additional language. Some Latin place names are adopted.
The King James Bible is published in English.
Dr Samuel Johnson writes and publishes his dictionary, which standardises English spelling.
The Voyager spacecraft takes a message in English out beyond our solar system.
Celtic languages are spoken all over the islands of Britain and Ireland
The technological revolution brings thousands of new words such as telephone, microchip, computer and aerospace into the language. Telecommunications, the entertainment industry and war bring American English to the world: English becomes a global language.
