The History of English

In early October, only about four weeks into my teaching, South Korea observed Hangul Day: a national holiday that honors King Sejong for his invention and proclamation of the Korean language (Hangul) in 1446. Knowing very little about this holiday, we "discussed" the meaning in a 5th grade class. My students offered a bit of insight (as best they could) and then posed the question, "When was English invented?"

My brain did a back flip. Having studied the origins of English briefly, I knew that this was not an easy subject to introduce to a group of 11 year olds with a small English vocabulary. My mind raced from the Romans to the Normans to the Vikings to the Industrial Revolution...to the countless nationalities who have influenced this strange language.

My mind settled on saying: "English has changed many times. No single person started English. The English we speak 'began' around the 15th century. English is always changing and borrows words from many different people." The 5th graders took this in and attempted to process. Rightfully, they appeared confused. I wish there were a clearer answer...

For those of you above a Korean 5th grade English level, you may want to check out this humorous take on the history of English. I would have loved to have shared this with my students!



Excuse My English,
-Bets