so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola

dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification
English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]
Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History
group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a
group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification
English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]
Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a
so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.
Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

so developed into other Anglic languages, including Scots[18] and the extinct Fingallian and Yola
dialects of Ireland.[19]

English was isolated from other Germanic languages on the continent and diverged considerably
in vocabulary, syntax, and phonology as a result. It is not mutually intelligible with any continental
Germanic language – though some, such as Dutch and Frisian, show strong affinities with it,
especially in its earlier stages.[20][page needed] English and Frisian were traditionally considered more
closely related to one another than they were to other West Germanic languages, but most modern
scholarship does not recognise a particular affinity between them.[21] Though they exhibited similar
sound changes not otherwise found around the North Sea at that time, the specific changes
appeared in English and Frisian at different times – a pattern uncharacteristic for languages sharing a
unique phylogenetic ancestor.[22][23]

History

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old English borrowed some
grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9][10][11] Then, Middle
English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the source of
approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of an
additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a majority
of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance with the
Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin. English
exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a

English is a West Germanic language that emerged in early medieval England and has since become a
global lingua franca.[4][5][6] The namesake of the language is the Angles, one of the Germanic
peoples who migrated to Britain after the end of Roman rule. English is the most spoken language in
the world, primarily due to the global influences of the former British Empire (succeeded by
the Commonwealth of Nations) and the United States. It is the most widely learned second
language in the world, with more second-language speakers than native speakers. However, English
is only the third-most spoken native language, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.[3]

English is either the official language, or one of the official languages, in 57 sovereign states and 30
dependent territories, making it the most geographically widespread language in the world. In
the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, it is the dominant language for
historical reasons without being explicitly defined by law.[7] It is a co-official language of the United
Nations, the European Union, and many other international and regional organisations. It has also
become the de facto lingua franca of diplomacy, science, technology, international trade, logistics,
tourism, aviation, entertainment, and the Internet.[8] Ethnologue estimated that there were over
1.4 billion speakers worldwide as of 2021.[3]

Old English emerged from a group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Late Old
English borrowed some grammar and core vocabulary from Old Norse, a North Germanic language.[9]
[10][11]
Then, Middle English borrowed vocabulary extensively from French dialects, which are the
source of approximately 28 percent of Modern English words, and from Latin, which is the source of
an additional 28 percent.[12] While Latin and the Romance languages are thus the source for a
majority of its lexicon taken as a whole, English grammar and phonology retain a family resemblance
with the Germanic languages, and most of its basic everyday vocabulary remains Germanic in origin.
English exists on a dialect continuum with Scots; it is next-most closely related to Low
Saxon and Frisian.

Classification

English is a member of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the West Germanic branch
of Germanic languages.[13] Owing to their descent from a shared ancestor language known as Proto-
Germanic, English and other Germanic languages – which include Dutch, German, and Swedish[14] –
have characteristic features in common, including a division of verbs into strong and weak classes,
the use of modal verbs, and sound changes affecting Proto-Indo-European consonants known
as Grimm's and Verner's laws.[15]

Old English was one of several Ingvaeonic languages, which emerged from a dialect
continuum spoken by West Germanic peoples during the 5th century in Frisia, on the coast of
the North Sea. Old English emerged among the Ingvaeonic speakers on the British Isles following
their migration there, while the other Ingvaeonic languages (Frisian and Old Low German) developed
in parallel on the continent.[16] Old English evolved into Middle English, which in turn evolved into
Modern English.[17] Particular dialects of Old and Middle English a