Is English really English? 6 Minute English





Exploring the Roots of English Language

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the English language and how it has evolved over centuries? In this 6 Minute English episode from BBC Learning English, Neil and Georgina delve into the roots of English, exploring the influence of Anglo-Saxon and other languages.

Today’s movie

VIDEO URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w-zLrlTcY4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w-zLrlTcY4

Listening Quiz

Test your knowledge with these quiz questions related to the discussion:

Q1: What is the name of the famous battle in 1066 where the French-speaking Norman king, William the Conqueror, invaded England?

Q2: What is the term used to describe the letters added to the end of a word to modify its meaning?

Q3: What proportion of spoken English in common parlance is estimated to come from Anglo Saxon?

Q4: What does the term ‘building blocks’ refer to in the context of language?

Q5: What does the phrase ‘at heart’ indicate?

Vocabulary

Enhance your English vocabulary with these terms discussed in the video:

Invasions
When one country forcefully enters and controls another country.
The history of England is marked by invasions from various nations.

Suffix
A group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.
In ‘helpful’, the ‘-ful’ suffix adds the meaning of ‘full of’.

In common parlance
Using everyday language that is easily understood by most people.
The legal jargon was translated into common parlance for the public to comprehend.

Building blocks
Basic components that are assembled to create something complex.
Vowels and consonants are the building blocks of the English language.

To see things through someone’s eyes
To understand a situation from another person’s perspective.
The author’s vivid descriptions allow readers to see the world through the protagonist’s eyes.


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