Dario Guspini
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the English language over 1,600 years. It examines the language’s transformation from its Germanic roots-with influences from Celtic and Old Norse-to its development during the Old English period. The study underscores the impact of the Norman Conquest, which introduced Norman French and significantly reshaped Middle English in legal, governmental, and artistic contexts. It further explores the phonological and orthographic transformations, notably the Great Vowel Shift, which laid the groundwork for Early Modern English, standardized through the advent of the printing press. Additionally, the paper discusses the expansion of English vocabulary during the Industrial Revolution and the influence of colonial expansion, leading to diverse dialects and the global prominence of American English. Finally, it addresses the enduring challenges of English spelling and the integration of elements from Latin, Greek, and Scandinavian languages, offering a diachronic perspective on the language’s continuous adaptation and enrichment.
