Get ready to uncover the fascinating history of how English became the common global language. In this enlightening video, instructor Gideon from LetThemTalkTV takes us on a journey through time to understand the rise of English as a global language, despite its near extinction in the 12th century.

Gideon highlights that English, being a Germanic language, shares many similarities with languages such as German, Dutch, Swedish, and Danish. However, what sets English apart is its significant vocabulary influence from Latin languages. This unique combination allows speakers of Germanic or Romance languages to already have a considerable understanding of English, making it accessible to a vast number of people.

The transformation of English’s status came during the aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066 when French became the language of the ruling nobility in England. English was relegated to the third position, after French and Latin, within its own country. However, the Hundred Years War, fought between England and France, played a crucial role in reestablishing English as a language of national identity.

The expansion of the British Empire further propelled the spread of English across the world. From the Jamestown colony in Virginia, which marked the first permanent English settlement in America, to India, Africa, the Caribbean, Australia, and other former British colonies, English became a dominant language. The need for a common language to facilitate communication among people with diverse native languages in these regions made English a convenient choice.

Through historical events and circumstances, English rose from the brink of extinction to become the global language we know today. Its widespread usage is a testament to its adaptability and the influence of the British Empire.