Online Class: ESL Basic Grammar

History of the English Language

Many people may not realize that no grammar books have been found that date prior to the 1700s. While that may be good news for some, it doesn't help linguists, people who understand and study languages, to study how the English language grew and developed.

What is understood is that experts believe that English grammar is based greatly on the grammar and speaking patterns found in Latin and Greek languages. Many English words used today came from the Latin or Greek words, especially those in the medical and scientific fields. Grammar rules were developed to help define speaking and writing patterns throughout widespread areas.

English language experts believe that English, more commonly known as the Anglo-Saxon language, came from the areas that are now known as Denmark and Germany. This language, known as Old English, sounded very different than it does today. It was also written differently. Over the years, the English language used many other words from different countries, including French. This language was known as Middle English.

Between 1500 and 1800, Early Modern English developed. Pronunciation changed, and the influence from people around the world introduced many new words and phrases into the English language. The creation of books made it easier to create a common language, and many people learned how to read. At this time, grammar and spelling rules were developed. The first English dictionary was published in 1604.

After the 1800s, Modern English was developed. Modern English brings with it many new terms that were created as inventions and technology were developed and advanced. The British Empire covered nearly one quarter of the earth, and as a result, the English language also absorbed foreign words from many different countries.

In the United States, immigrants brought with them their own languages, which also eventually became part of regular usage in America. Some common Spanish words like arroyo, and canyon, are still used in the United States today. Through French settlements found in the south and southeast states, French words and West African words brought by slaves have also been incorporated into the English language.

In this way, a language develops. There are few languages that don't use some forms of English vocabulary and the same goes for the English language, using many words and phrases from other nationalities.

As with any language, the English language is basically divided into two areas: the spoken and the written word. As in any language, such as Spanish, French, German, and even Chinese, people rarely write the same way as they speak.

Grammar, at its most basic definition, represents ideas about what is considered "correct". The study of any language might often be frustrating and confusing. However, to make oneself understood in any area of society, one must learn how to speak correctly and properly in order to encourage job placement, career advances, and the ability to communicate. 

Students of English as a second language should also be aware that speech patterns and grammar rules might differ between countries that speak English. For example, in the United States, citizens speak what is called American English. In Great Britain, the spelling of various words as well as their pronunciation is different than those found in the United States. The same goes for the English spoken in Australia.

Grammar, or the structure of English, is all about style, rules, and guidelines. However, all of these have changed through the years. Geographical locations may also have a great deal to do with how a language is spoken or written. If you have had the opportunity to travel around the United States, you will surely have noticed that a person who speaks English in the southern state of Louisiana might sound and speak very differently than an individual who lives in rural Massachusetts. The same goes for someone who lives in Southern California, as opposed to someone who lives in New York City.

The glory of the written and spoken word is that it is constantly evolving and developing. The way people speak on the street may be different than the way the same phrase would be written on a piece of paper, but common rules and proper sentence structure still apply.

Native English speakers rarely think about the structure of the sentences they form. Those who are learning English must constantly remember details such as subject-verb agreement, tense, and verb placement. When a native English speaker learns a foreign language, they must also learn different grammar rules and sentence structure as well.

Understanding basic English grammar rules and principles will help to improve English speech, as well as understanding of the written word. This course is not designed to teach you everything there is to know about English grammar, but will cover the basics, so that clarity and comprehension may be increased. Think of this grammar course as a starting point that will help to improve not only how you communicate with others, but enhance your ability to make yourself understood in a wide variety of situations.