Anglic languages facts for kids

Anglic languages are a group of languages that are closely related to English. They all developed from a very old language called Old English. Most of these languages are spoken in the British Isles, which includes countries like England, Scotland, and Ireland. While English is the most famous Anglic language, there are others like Scots spoken in Scotland, and two older languages from Ireland called Yola and Fingallan.

What Are Anglic Languages?

Anglic languages are a special group of languages. They are all part of the larger Germanic language family. This family also includes languages like German, Dutch, and Swedish. What makes Anglic languages unique is their shared history. They all grew from a language spoken many centuries ago in England.

From Old English to Today

The story of Anglic languages begins with Old English. This was the language spoken in England from about the 5th century to the 11th century. It was brought to Britain by Germanic tribes. These tribes included the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. Over hundreds of years, Old English changed and developed. It eventually became the English we speak today. Other languages also branched off from this ancient root.

How Languages Change Over Time

Languages are always changing. New words are added, and old words disappear. Pronunciations shift, and grammar rules can evolve. This is how Old English slowly transformed. It became what we call Middle English after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Then, it became Early Modern English and finally, Modern English. This process of change also led to other Anglic languages.

English: A Global Language

English is by far the most widely spoken Anglic language. It is spoken by billions of people around the world. It is the official language in many countries. These include the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. English is also very important for international business and communication. It is a key language for science, technology, and the internet.

Scots: Scotland's Sister Language

Scots is another important Anglic language. It is mainly spoken in Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. Scots developed from the same Old English roots as English. However, it took a different path over the centuries. This means it has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and sounds. Many people in Scotland speak Scots alongside English. It is a vibrant part of Scottish culture and heritage.

Lost Languages: Yola and Fingallan

In Ireland, there were once two other Anglic languages: Yola and Fingallan.

• Yola was spoken in a small area of County Wexford. It was a very old language. It kept many features of Middle English. Yola slowly died out in the 19th century.
• Fingallan was spoken in the Fingal area of County Dublin. Like Yola, it was also a very old language. It was closely related to Middle English. Fingallan also disappeared around the 19th century.

These languages are no longer spoken today. They are examples of how languages can disappear over time. This happens when fewer and fewer people speak them.

See also

In Spanish: Lenguas ánglicas para niños