The United Kingdom or Britain , as we know it today, was conquered , either partially or fully by peoples from several regions. Initially inhabited by the Celts , who lived in many areas including France, Spain and almost all of Europe excluding Scandinavia , it was later invaded by 3 Germanic tribes, the Angles (yes, there were people who were actually called that) the Jutes (not the plant!) and the Saxons.
They were followed by other invasions, from the Romans, the Vikings and finally the French. Hence their language , English has been influenced by the languages of all these peoples, and probably contributed to a culture that was incredibly resilient and flexible.
Small wonder that they eventually built an empire that, for a period of time, had the Sun never setting on it !
The Romans brought along Greek though it may have reached Britain through cultural exchanges even before that.
Here is an interesting link to some information about the English language
http://www.johnchaple.co.uk/language.html
They were followed by other invasions, from the Romans, the Vikings and finally the French. Hence their language , English has been influenced by the languages of all these peoples, and probably contributed to a culture that was incredibly resilient and flexible.
Small wonder that they eventually built an empire that, for a period of time, had the Sun never setting on it !
The Romans brought along Greek though it may have reached Britain through cultural exchanges even before that.
Here is an interesting link to some information about the English language
http://www.johnchaple.co.uk/language.html
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