EL 101: LANGUAGE, CULTURE & SOCIETY

LANGUAGE, CULTURE & SOCIETY

HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

INTRODUCTION

Language evolution refers to the gradual transformation of languages over time due to various factors
such as cultural, social, and historical influences. Languages are not static entities; they constantly evolve to
adapt to the changing needs and circumstances of the communities that use them. Language is the most
important evolutionary invention of the last few million years. It was an adaptation that helped us humans to
exchange information, make plans, express new ideas and change the appearance of the world. The language
was developed for communication, to facilitate learning the use of tools and weapons, to plan hunting and
defense, to develop a "theory of mind" and the tools of thought, and to attract and keep a mate. This had a big
impact on human beings as it was the only species to use language to interact with other species. Narrowing
down, several factors are affecting the change in our language system.

Cultural factors play a significant role in language evolution as languages reflect the beliefs, values,
and practices of the societies that speak to them. Since language and culture are intertwined, language itself
may carry the culture existing in our society. For example, the introduction of new technologies, cultural
exchanges, and migrations can lead to the adoption of new words and expressions or the modification of existing
ones.

Social factors also contribute to language change as languages are shaped by the interactions and
dynamics within communities. Variations in dialects, slang, and jargon arise from social groups seeking to
differentiate themselves or to express solidarity within their communities. With the everyday interaction among
social beings there will be a rapid formation of words across different countries. According to Global Language
Monitor, there are 5400 new words created over a year and 14.7 new words are created every day and one
factor is social interaction.

Furthermore, historical events such as invasions, conquests, and colonialism can have a profound
impact on language evolution. These events often result in the borrowing of words from other languages, the
assimilation of linguistic features, or the emergence of creole languages through contact between different
linguistic groups. Though these historical events can most often bring pain especially to those victims of war
and colonialism but radiating its positive impact on language is undeniable. The language system that humanity
must share may eventually grow and develop as time goes by. It only implies that there is a rich society field
with various cultures, traditions, and beliefs which mold the existing language.

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TIMELINE CREATION

• OLD ENGLISH PERIOD (500-1100)

During the Old English period, key developments in the
English language were influenced by significant events such as
the Roman invasion, Anglo-Saxon invasions, Christian influence,
Viking invasions, and the Norman invasion. Old English, the
Germanic language of the Anglo-Saxons, served as the
foundation for the English language. The language began to
develop its distinctive features in isolation from other continental
Germanic languages around 600 AD.

• MIDDLE ENGLISH PERIOD (11th-15th century)

During the Middle English period, spanning from the 11th
to the 15th centuries, several key developments shaped the
English language. One significant development was the Norman
Conquest of England in 1066, which brought French influence
into the language. This influence led to the incorporation of a
significant number of French words into English vocabulary,
enriching the language. The standardization of English grammar
also began during this period, establishing rules for spelling,
pronunciation, and syntax.

• MODERN ENGLISH PERIOD (16th century to present)

The introduction of the printing press in England in 1476
played a crucial role in the standardization and mass production
of books, leading to increased literacy rates and the continued
standardization of English. This period also saw the emergence
of Early Modern English, characterized by changes in
vocabulary, grammar, and phonology.

British exploration, colonization, and overseas trade during

the Modern English period accelerated the acquisition of
loanwords from various languages, enriching the English
lexicon. This era also witnessed the development of new
varieties of English, such as World English, each with its unique
vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation nuances. Additionally,
notable literary figures like William Shakespeare contributed to
the evolution of the English language through their works.

PERIODS TO EXPLORE

Old English Period (500-1100)

The Old English period began in 449 AD with the arrival of three Germanic tribes from the Continent: the Angles,
Saxons, and Jutes. They settled in the south and east of Britain, which was then inhabited by the Celts. The
Anglo-Saxons had their own language, called Old English, which was spoken from around the 5th century to
the 11th century.

Old English was a Germanic language, and as such, it was very different from the Celtic languages spoken by
the Britons. It was also a very different language from the English we speak today. It was a highly inflected
language, meaning that words could change their form depending on how they were being used in a sentence.

The Anglo-Saxons also had their own alphabet, which was known as the futhorc. The futhorc consisted of 24

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letters, most of which were named after rune symbols. However, they also borrowed the Roman alphabet and
eventually started using that instead.

The vocabulary was also quite different, with many words being borrowed from other languages such as Latin,
French, and Old Norse. The first account of Anglo-Saxon England ever written is from 731 AD – a document
known as the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, which remains the single most
valuable source from this period.

Another one of the most famous examples of Old English literature is the epic poem Beowulf, which was written
sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries. By the end of the Old English period at the close of the 11th
century, West Saxon dominated, resulting in most of the surviving documents from this period being written in
the West Saxon dialect.

The Old English period was a time of great change for Britain. In 1066, the Normans invaded England and
conquered the Anglo-Saxons. The Normans were originally Viking settlers from Scandinavia who had settled in
France in the 10th century. They spoke a form of French, which was the language of the ruling class in England
after the Norman Conquest.

One of the biggest differences between Old English and Modern English is their vocabulary. Old English had a
complex system of inflection, which meant that nouns, verbs, adjectives, and pronouns had different forms
depending on their grammatical role in a sentence.

Modern English, on the other hand, relies more on word order and prepositions to convey the same information.
Another difference is the spelling and pronunciation. Old English was written in a runic script, and the letters
used in the alphabet were different from those used in Modern English. The pronunciation of Old English was
also different, and it is thought to have been closer to modern Icelandic or Faroese than to Modern English. Old

English also had a different grammatical structure from Modern English. For example, Old English had a dual
number in addition to singular and plural, and verbs had different forms for different tenses and moods. Modern
English has simplified its grammatical structure and relies more on auxiliary verbs to convey tense and mood.

Overall, Old English and Modern English are very different languages, and it takes some effort to learn and
understand Old English texts. However, the study of Old English can be rewarding and can provide insights into
the history and evolution of the English language. Old English and Modern English are two different stages in
the development of the English language. Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, was spoken from around
the 5th century to the 11th century, while Modern English has been in use since the 16th century.

1. Vocabulary: Old English had a much smaller vocabulary than Modern English. Many words that we use today
did not exist in Old English, and many words that were used in Old English are no longer used today.

2. Spelling: The spelling system of Old English was quite different from that of Modern English. Old English
used a runic alphabet and had its own set of spelling conventions, whereas Modern English uses the Latin
alphabet.

3. Grammar: Old English had a more complex grammar than Modern English. It had a system of noun
declensions, verb conjugations, and grammatical gender, which are not present in Modern English.

4. Pronunciation: The pronunciation of Old English was also quite different from modern English. Old English
had a more phonetic spelling system, meaning that words were pronounced as they were spelled. Modern
English, on the other hand, has many irregularities in spelling and pronunciation.

5. Word Order: The word order of Old English was more flexible than Modern English. In Old English, the
meaning of a sentence was determined by the case endings of the nouns, rather than by word order.

Overall, Old English and Modern English are vastly different from each other, both in terms of vocabulary,
grammar, spelling, and pronunciation. However, many words and structures from Old English have survived in
Modern English, and they continue to shape the language we use today.

The Old English period came to an end in 1066 with the Norman Conquest. However, Old English continued to
be spoken in some parts of England until the 12th century. After that, it was replaced by Middle English.

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Middle English Period (11th-15th centuries)

Medieval Britain had numerous languages, including English, Celtic, Scandinavian, Latin, and French. After the
Norman Conquest, the ruling elite in England were French speakers, and Latin predominated in most writing
types. French, not English, vied with Latin in technical and official functions until the end of the Middle English
period. The term “Anglo-Norman” has been traditionally used, but modern editors prefer “Anglo-French” to better
reflect the wide variety of inputs shown by the French used in medieval Britain.

Up until the middle of the fourteenth century, surviving written records for Middle English were patchy,
characterized by isolated islands of usage reflecting the English of particular communities or individuals. Some
substantial literary texts, such as the Ormulum and the Ancrene Wisse, can identify mini-traditions of English
writing, but there are no clear, well-established, persistent traditions of writing in English for literary or non-
literary purposes.

Geoffrey Chaucer (born c. 1342/43, London, England—died October 25, 1400, London) the outstanding English
poet before Shakespeare and “the first finder of our language.” His The Canterbury Tales ranks as one of the
greatest poetic works in English. He also contributed importantly in the second half of the 14 th century to the
management of public affairs as courtier, diplomat, and civil servant. In that career he was trusted and aided by
three successive kings—Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV. But it is his avocation—the writing of poetry—for
which he is remembered.

Famous Works of Geoffrey Chaucer:

1. The Canterbury Tales: Chaucer’s most famous work, “The Canterbury Tales,” is a collection of stories
told by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral. Each tale reflects a different aspect of medieval
society, providing a vivid picture of life in the 14 th century. The variety of characters and their tales
showcase Chaucer’s skill in characterization and narrative diversity.
2. The Parliament of Fowls: Written as a dream vision poem, “The Parliament of Fowls” explores themes
of love, nature, and social hierarchy. The poem takes place on St. Valentine’s Day when the birds
gather to choose their mates, providing commentary on courtly love and human society.
3. The Book of the Duchess: This elegy is a tribute to Blanche, Duchess of Lancaster, who died young.
Chaucer uses the poem to express grief and lament the loss of the Duchess, while also exploring
themes of love, memory, and mortality.

Modern English Period (16th century to present)

A Journey Through Language Evolution and Global Influence

The Modern English Period, spanning from the 16th century to the present day, has witnessed significant
changes in the English language. This report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Renaissance's impact
on language, as well as explore other key aspects of the Modern English Period, including the works of
Shakespeare and the standardization of English, the rise of contemporary English, and its global dominance.

1. The Renaissance's Impact on Language

The Renaissance (14th-17th century) was a period of remarkable intellectual and cultural growth that left an
indelible mark on the Modern English Period. This era played a pivotal role in enriching the English language
with new vocabulary, fostering intellectual curiosity, and encouraging the pursuit of knowledge. The
Renaissance also revolutionized printing and communication, making information more accessible to a broader
audience. This democratization of knowledge facilitated the spread of new ideas and accelerated the evolution
of the English language.

2. Shakespeare and the Standardization of English

William Shakespeare, a prominent figure of the Renaissance, significantly contributed to the standardization of
English. His works showcased a diverse vocabulary and refined grammar, which helped solidify the English
language's structure. Shakespeare's plays and sonnets continue to be celebrated for their literary merit and
their impact on the evolution of the English language. His influence on the development of Modern English
cannot be overstated, as he remains one of the most widely read and translated authors in history.

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3. Contemporary English and Its Global Dominance

The Modern English Period has seen the language evolve and expand beyond its British and American roots.
Today, English has become the global lingua franca, used for international communication, business, science,
and technology. This widespread adoption of English is due to historical events, such as colonialism, and the
influence of the United States in various fields. The dominance of English in the global arena has both
advantages and disadvantages, as it promotes cultural exchange and understanding while potentially
overshadowing other languages and cultures.

4. Influence of Technology on Modern English

The advent of technology in recent decades has further shaped the English language. The internet, social
media, and globalization have introduced new words, phrases, and expressions, as well as influenced the way
we communicate. These technological advancements have also made it easier for people worldwide to learn
and use English, contributing to its global dominance. However, they have also led to concerns about the
erosion of proper grammar and the dilution of the language's rich heritage.

As we reflect on the Modern English Period, it is evident that the Renaissance played a crucial role in shaping
the language. Its impact can be seen in the rich vocabulary, standardized grammar, and influential literary works
that have endured throughout history. As we progress in the Modern English Period, it is essential to
acknowledge the power of human creativity and curiosity in shaping languages and communication. Embracing
the evolution of English while preserving its historical roots will ensure its continued relevance and influence in
the global community.

NOTEWORTHY CONTRIBUTIONS

Old English Period (500-100)

• Bede (672-735): Known as the "Father of English History," Bede was an Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar
who wrote "Ecclesiastical History of the English People," a crucial source for understanding early English
history and culture.

• Beowulf: An epic poem that is one of the most important works of Old English literature, depicting the heroic
deeds of the Geatish hero Beowulf as he battles monsters and dragons.

• One of the significant impact of technology on language dissemination during the Old English period was the
invention and use of the codex. The codex was a revolutionary advancement in bookbinding technology,
replacing the scroll as the primary format for written texts. Codices were made by folding sheets of parchment
or vellum and binding them together along one edge, creating a book-like format.

Middle English Period (11th-15th centuries)

• One of the most famous examples of Middle English literature is The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer,
which was written in the late 14th century. Chaucer was the first major writer in English, and he e helped to
standardize the language even further. For this reason, Middle English is also frequently referred to as
Chaucerian English.

• French influence can also be seen in the vocabulary, with many French loanwords being introduced into
English during this time. Middle English was also influenced by the introduction of Christianity, with many
religious terms being borrowed from Latin.

• The role of dictionaries, grammar books, and language academies was instrumental in shaping the English
language and standardizing its usage.

•During the Middle English period, advancements in technology were limited compared to today. However,
improvements in making parchment, a durable writing material from animal skins, and the use of quill pens
and ink made it easier to create manuscripts. These manuscripts helped spread written language by
preserving texts and allowing them to be shared across generations. While these technological advancements

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may seem modest compared to today's digital tools, they played a crucial role in preserving and sharing
English language texts during the Middle English period

Modern English Period (16th century to present)

•The first English dictionary, A Table Alphabetical of Hard Words, was published in 1604.
•The King James Bible, which was first published in 1611,also had a significant impact on the development of
Early Modern English. The Bible was translated into English from Latin and Greek, introducing many new
words into the language.

•The rise of the British Empire (16th-20th centuries) also had a significant impact on the English language.
English became the language of commerce, science, and politics, and was spread around the world by British
colonists. This led to the development of many different varieties of English, known as dialects.

•William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, which was first performed in 1597.

•The most significant change occurred in the 20th century, with the introduction of mass media and
technology. For example, new words have been created to keep up with changing technology, and old words
have fallen out of use. However, the core grammar and vocabulary of the language have remained relatively
stable.
LEARNING ACTIVITY

INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS

ANGLO-SAXON RIDDLES
arriors didn’t spend all their

W
time battling. To help pass the
long hours in the mead hall,
the Anglo-
Saxons invented complicated riddles, or verbal
puzzles, to tell to one another. The riddles
frequently personified an inanimate object or a
concept, giving the listener subtle clues to its
true identity. A riddle was, in essence, a poem.
Anglo- Saxon poetry did not rhyme, but was
strongly alliterative. Although much of their
alliteration is lost in translation, here is an
example of a strongly alliterative rhyme: “Five
miles meandering with a mazy motion.” Only a
few Anglo-Saxon riddles have survived the
years and come down to us. The following is
one of these.
Bilbo Baggins and the creature Gollum engage in a battle of
riddles. J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and Lord of the
The creature ate its words— it seemed to me Rings, was heavily influenced by the Anglo-Saxon world
strangely weird when I heard this wonder: when he created his own Middle-Earth
that it had devoured human speech. (Painting: Riddles in the Dark, Alan Lee)
A thief in the darkness gloriously mouthed
the source of knowledge— but the thief was not
the least bit wiser for the words in his mouth.

- bookworm

Although the answer to this riddle probably didn’t just leap to mind, it’s still a good example of the wordplay
typically used. It also shows the use of caesura (“cutting”), a line-break or pause in the middle of the line,
where a pause might naturally occur.

The Anglo-Saxons loved riddles. They told each other riddles as well as listening to poems at their feasts.

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Some of the riddles were written down, so we are able to read them today.
ACTIVITY: Guess the Anglo-Saxon Riddles
1.What has roots as nobody sees
Is taller than trees
Up, up it goes
And yet never grows?
2. It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,
Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
It lies behind stars and under hills,
And empty holes it fills.
It comes first and follows after,
Ends life, kills laughter.
3. This thing all things devours:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers.
Gnaws iron, bites steel,
Grinds hard stones to meal,
Slays king, ruins towns,
And beats high mountains down.
4. I am all on my own wounded by iron weapons
and scarred by swords— I often see battle.
I am tired of fighting— I do not expect to be
allowed
to retire from warfare Before I am completely
done for.
At the wall of the city, I am knocked about
And bitten again and again— Hard edged things
made by the blacksmith's hammer attack me.
Each time I wait for something worse.
I have never been able to find a doctor
who could make me better— or give me
medicine.
Instead the sword gashes grow bigger day and
night.
5.Black, curved, capacious and of beaten metal
made,
I hang, touching neither the sky nor the deep
earth.
Growing hot from fires and sometimes bubbling
like a whirlpool,
I suffer the twinned onslaught of a variable threat,
As I endure the surging of water and the ferocious
flames.
CHARACTER SKETCH
Instruction: Create a character sketch in the form of
a poem. Your character must reside in the modern
(not medieval) world.
Your Character: As the characters in The
Canterbury Tales gained their identity from their
profession (knight, monk, miller, etc.), your
character should epitomize a certain profession.
Chaucer satirizes the professions of some of his
characters by making sarcastic and unflattering
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statements, while he praises the professions of
other characters by showing them in a positive light.
Steps:
1. Write a vividly detailed description of your
character, using sensory details, strong verbs, and
figurative language.
2. In the description, include physical, mental,
personal, emotional, and/or social traits.
3. Some attention should be paid to how this
character relates to his/her profession (Example:
Are they the expert? Do they not really care about
it?)
4. The character’s clothing should be described in
such a way that it contributes to the overall portrayal
of the character’s personality.
5. Through your description, select some area of
the character's personality to either praise or
criticize. Try to imitate Chaucer's use of subtle
satire—mockery, irony, sarcasm, understatement,
etc.
6. Your poem must be a minimum of 20 lines long.
7. The poem should have approximate heroic
couplets (AABB rhyme scheme).
8. Title your poem, “The [Profession].”
Example: “The Fast Food Worker” by John Doe
There was a young lad, all sickly and scrawny.
He worked in fast food, a place called McDonnie’s.
You see, the bland boy was such a horrible slob
fast food was the one place that would give him a
job.
His dull little face was dotted with zits.
His cheeks were potted and peppered with pits.
His voice was quite squeaky, and as we could see,
He was fighting a long battle with puberty.
He wore an orange shirt and an odd-looking hat
that said in small letters, “You want fries with that?”
From frying up formerly-chicken parts
to laughing immaturely at his co-worker’s farts,
to filling and refilling a deep-frier vat.
(There was enough grease on his face to do just
that.)
Between texting and sleeping, his life has no
ambition
but to play X-Box each night in a comatose
condition.
His interests in life are his phone and his friends.
His prospects for a career are getting quite thin.
He could be a success—if he dared, if he cared.
If he is our future, we should surely be scared.
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SUMMARY RELAY
Instruction: Recite the Summary of Romeo and Juliet but with a twist. You need to recite it as a whole class in
which each student will take turns reciting one sentence, and they would recite one sentence without
pronouncing the letter "a." Every student who pronounces a word containing the letter a will be eliminated. They
should continue until they complete the summary.

SUMMARY OF ROMEO AND JULIET

In the streets of Verona, another brawl breaks out between the servants of the feuding noble families of Capulet
and Montague. Benvolio, a Montague, tries to stop the fighting, but he is himself embroiled when Tybalt, a rash
Capulet, arrives on the scene. After citizens outraged by the constant violence beat back the warring factions,
Prince Escalus, the ruler of Verona, attempts to prevent any further conflicts between the families by decreeing
death for any individual who disturbs the peace in the future.

Romeo, the son of Montague, runs into his cousin Benvolio, who had earlier seen Romeo moping in a grove of
sycamores. After some prodding by Benvolio, Romeo confides that he is in love with Rosaline, a woman who
does not return his affections. Benvolio counsels him to forget this woman and find another, more beautiful one,
but Romeo remains despondent.

Meanwhile, Paris, a kinsman of the Prince, seeks Juliet’s hand in marriage. Her father Capulet, though happy
at the match, asks Paris to wait two years, since Juliet is not yet even fourteen. Capulet dispatches a servant
with a list of people to invite to a masquerade and feast he traditionally holds. He invites Paris to the feast,
hoping that Paris will begin to win Juliet’s heart.

Romeo and Benvolio, still discussing Rosaline, encounter the Capulet servant bearing the list of invitations.
Benvolio suggests that they attend, since that will allow Romeo to compare his beloved to other beautiful women
of Verona. Romeo agrees to go with Benvolio to the feast, but only because Rosaline, whose name he reads
on the list, will be there.

In Capulet’s household, young Juliet talks with her mother, Lady Capulet, and her nurse about the possibility of
marrying Paris. Juliet has not yet considered marriage, but agrees to look at Paris during the feast to see if she
thinks she could fall in love with him.

The feast begins. A melancholy Romeo follows Benvolio and their witty friend Mercutio to Capulet’s house.
Once inside, Romeo sees Juliet from a distance and instantly falls in love with her; he forgets about Rosaline
completely. As Romeo watches Juliet, entranced, a young Capulet, Tybalt, recognizes him, and is enraged that
a Montague would sneak into a Capulet feast. He prepares to attack, but Capulet holds him back. Soon, Romeo
speaks to Juliet, and the two experience a profound attraction. They kiss, not even knowing each other’s names.
When he finds out from Juliet’s nurse that she is the daughter of Capulet—his family’s enemy—he becomes
distraught. When Juliet learns that the young man she has just kissed is the son of Montague, she grows equally
upset.

As Mercutio and Benvolio leave the Capulet estate, Romeo leaps over the orchard wall into the garden, unable
to leave Juliet behind. From his hiding place, he sees Juliet in a window above the orchard and hears her speak
his name. He calls out to her, and they exchange vows of love.

Romeo hurries to see his friend and confessor Friar Lawrence, who, though shocked at the sudden turn of
Romeo’s heart, agrees to marry the young lovers in secret since he sees in their love the possibility of ending
the age-old feud between Capulet and Montague. The following day, Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Lawrence’s
cell and are married. The Nurse, who is privy to the secret, procures a ladder, which Romeo will use to climb
into Juliet’s window for their wedding night.

The next day, Benvolio and Mercutio encounter Tybalt—Juliet’s cousin—who, still enraged that Romeo attended
Capulet’s feast, has challenged Romeo to a duel. Romeo appears. Now Tybalt’s kinsman by marriage, Romeo
begs the Capulet to hold off the duel until he understands why Romeo does not want to fight. Disgusted with

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this plea for peace, Mercutio says that he will fight Tybalt himself. The two begin to duel. Romeo tries to stop
them by leaping between the combatants. Tybalt stabs Mercutio under Romeo’s arm, and Mercutio dies.
Romeo, in a rage, kills Tybalt. Romeo flees from the scene. Soon after, the Prince declares him forever banished
from Verona for his crime. Friar Lawrence arranges for Romeo to spend his wedding night with Juliet before he
has to leave for Mantua the following morning.

In her room, Juliet awaits the arrival of her new husband. The Nurse enters, and, after some confusion, tells
Juliet that Romeo has killed Tybalt. Distraught, Juliet suddenly finds herself married to a man who has killed
her kinsman. But she resettles herself, and realizes that her duty belongs with her love: to Romeo.

Romeo sneaks into Juliet’s room that night, and at last they consummate their marriage and their love. Morning
comes, and the lovers bid farewell, unsure when they will see each other again. Juliet learns that her father,
affected by the recent events, now intends for her to marry Paris in just three days. Unsure of how to proceed—
unable to reveal to her parents that she is married to Romeo, but unwilling to marry Paris now that she is
Romeo’s wife—Juliet asks her nurse for advice. She counsels Juliet to proceed as if Romeo were dead and to
marry Paris, who is a better match anyway. Disgusted with the Nurse’s disloyalty, Juliet disregards her advice
and hurries to Friar Lawrence. He concocts a plan to reunite Juliet with Romeo in Mantua. The night before her
wedding to Paris, Juliet must drink a potion that will make her appear to be dead. After she is laid to rest in the
family’s crypt, the Friar and Romeo will secretly retrieve her, and she will be free to live with Romeo, away from
their parents’ feuding.

Juliet returns home to discover the wedding has been moved ahead one day, and she is to be married tomorrow.
That night, Juliet drinks the potion, and the Nurse discovers her, apparently dead, the next morning. The
Capulets grieve, and Juliet is entombed according to plan. But Friar Lawrence’s message explaining the plan
to Romeo never reaches Mantua. Its bearer, Friar John, gets confined to a quarantined house. Romeo hears
only that Juliet is dead.

Romeo learns only of Juliet’s death and decides to kill himself rather than live without her. He buys a vial of
poison from a reluctant Apothecary, then speeds back to Verona to take his own life at Juliet’s tomb. Outside
the Capulet crypt, Romeo comes upon Paris, who is scattering flowers on Juliet’s grave. They fight, and Romeo
kills Paris. He enters the tomb, sees Juliet’s inanimate body, drinks the poison, and dies by her side. Just then,
Friar Lawrence enters and realizes that Romeo has killed Paris and himself. At the same time, Juliet awakes.
Friar Lawrence hears the coming of the watch. When Juliet refuses to leave with him, he flees alone. Juliet sees
her beloved Romeo and realizes he has killed himself with poison. She kisses his poisoned lips, and when that
does not kill her, buries his dagger in her chest, falling dead upon his body.

The watch arrives, followed closely by the Prince, the Capulets, and Montague. Montague declares that Lady
Montague has died of grief over Romeo’s exile. Seeing their children’s bodies, Capulet and Montague agree to
end their long-standing feud and to raise gold statues of their children side-by-side in a newly peaceful Verona.

REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

No matter how far the humanities have progressed in an ever-changing world, one thing will always hold true:
language will keep evolving and developing since it is a necessity for human survival and a means of social
interaction.

There are various reasons why language changes. First is because it adapts to its speakers' evolving needs.
The language is always evolving along with society's demands, lifestyles, and innovation in our world. New
words are needed to properly and effectively convey these new experiences, goods, and technologies. One
illustration of this is the rise of text messaging that birthed the Short Message Service (SMS) language,
textism, or textese.

Moreover, another reason for the change is that no two people have had the same language experience. We
pick up new vocabulary and expressions from everyone we interact with, and these combinations create
something fresh and distinct from the speech patterns of any other individual. Globalization and the
development of technology have created limitless opportunities and made social contact simpler.

Keep in mind that not everyone can speak in perfect English. When people refer to "correct English," they
typically mean Standard English. The majority of languages have a standard form that is employed in formal

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EL 101: LANGUAGE, CULTURE & SOCIETY

settings such as government and education. But in reality, Standard English is really one variety of the
language. Keep in mind that every language, including dialects, has rules.

These are the importance of preserving linguistic diversity while adapting to modern needs.
● It fosters cultural identity
● Adapt to meet contemporary needs
● Drawing a balance between preservation and adaptation
● It enriches cultural tapestry

Preserving linguistic diversity is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters cultural identity and heritage,
allowing communities to maintain their unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of thinking. Additionally,
language is deeply intertwined with social cohesion, as it enables effective communication within
communities.

However, in the face of modernization and globalization, adapting languages to meet contemporary needs is
essential. This adaptation involves integrating new vocabulary, concepts, and technologies while ensuring the
core structure and essence of the language remain intact.

Balancing preservation and adaptation is vital for promoting inclusivity, ensuring marginalized communities
can participate fully in society, access education, and engage in economic activities. Moreover, linguistic
diversity enriches the global cultural tapestry, fostering understanding and appreciation among different
groups. Therefore, efforts to preserve and adapt languages should be seen as complementary rather than
conflicting objectives.

Language will never stop changing; it will continue to respond to the needs of the people who use it.
acknowledge that like everything else in nature, the English language is a work in progress.

REFERENCES

https://sist.sathyabama.ac.in/sist_naac/aqar_2022_2023/documents/1.3.4/baenglish_batch%20n
o.23.pdf

https://langster.org/en/blog/a-brief-history-of-the-english-language-from-old-english-to-
modern-days

https://www.slideshare.net/mjalaeian/english-language-timeline

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-the-english-language-is-shakespeares-
language/?fbclid=IwAR2XSYnve3YLZwC6y43Dm54HivyjKAGpI07hiluD8L6oKaqCyC65a--Mg6g

https://www.medievalists.net/2014/07/can-solve-anglo-saxon-
riddles/#:~:text=Riddles%20were%20popular%20in%20the,scholar%20in%20Anglo%2DSaxon%20England.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2084/0507/files/Riddles_Examples_Hobbit.pdf?3987318268983051095

https://creativeenglishteacher.com/pages/beowulf-old-english-and-anglo-saxon-culture

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2084/0507/files/Modern_Canterbury_Tales_Character_Sketch.pdf?17046112
985379204971

https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/romeojuliet/summary/

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