English Definition and 313 Threads

English is a West Germanic language first spoken in early medieval England, which has become the leading language of international discourse in the 21st century. It is named after the Angles, one of the ancient Germanic peoples that migrated to the area of Great Britain that later took their name, England. Both names derive from Anglia, a peninsula on the Baltic Sea. English is most closely related to Frisian and Low Saxon, while its vocabulary has been significantly influenced by other Germanic languages, particularly Old Norse (a North Germanic language), as well as Latin and French.English has developed over the course of more than 1,400 years. The earliest forms of English, a group of West Germanic (Ingvaeonic) dialects brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the 5th century, are collectively called Old English. Middle English began in the late 11th century with the Norman conquest of England; this was a period in which English was influenced by Old French, in particular through its Old Norman dialect. Early Modern English began in the late 15th century with the introduction of the printing press to London, the printing of the King James Bible and the start of the Great Vowel Shift.Modern English has been spreading around the world since the 17th century by the worldwide influence of the British Empire and the United States. Through all types of printed and electronic media of these countries, English has become the leading language of international discourse and the lingua franca in many regions and professional contexts such as science, navigation and law. Modern English grammar is the result of a gradual change from a typical Indo-European dependent marking pattern, with a rich inflectional morphology and relatively free word order, to a mostly analytic pattern with little inflection, a fairly fixed subject–verb–object word order and a complex syntax. Modern English relies more on auxiliary verbs and word order for the expression of complex tenses, aspect and mood, as well as passive constructions, interrogatives and some negation.
English is the largest language by number of speakers, and the third most-spoken native language in the world, after Standard Chinese and Spanish. It is the most widely learned second language and is either the official language or one of the official languages in almost 60 sovereign states. There are more people who have learned it as a second language than there are native speakers. As of 2005, it was estimated that there were over 2 billion speakers of English. English is the majority native language in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, an official and the main language of Singapore, and it is widely spoken in some areas of the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It is a co-official language of the United Nations, the European Union and many other world and regional international organisations. It is the most widely spoken Germanic language, accounting for at least 70% of speakers of this Indo-European branch. English speakers are called "Anglophones". There is much variability among the many accents and dialects of English used in different countries and regions—in terms of phonetics and phonology, and sometimes also vocabulary, idioms, grammar, and spelling— but it does not typically prevent understanding by speakers of other dialects and accents, although mutual unintelligibility can occur at extreme ends of the dialect continuum.

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  1. D

    Tone Languages and the Use of Pitch in Word Meaning

    Oh well its not about grammar but I just don't know how to call it you can tell me what is most needed to mean a word, can't you ? For example, if i say "a turtle", 'a' is an article in english, turtle is a countable noun. before any countable noun there must always be an article indicating...
  2. M

    How to Convert English Units of Measure?

    Hello guyz, Im having a problem in solving a Math Problem I can not found a formula does anybody knows the conversion for the following 1. meter squate to feet square m2 to ft2 2. centimeter square to feet square cm2 to in2 3. linear meter to linear ft Regards and Thanks, Mayt
  3. topsquark

    English System Units and R value

    A quick units question. Serway gives the R value (for insulation) in English system units as: \frac{ft^2 \, ^o F \, h}{BTU} What unit does "h" represent? Thanks! -Dan
  4. S

    Lingusitics American is a language sepearte from english.

    On this therd there is some disscussion of American being it's seperte language form English on this https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=115377".I think that disscussion whould be getting more of topic if I posted anything more about it so I decide to create this theard. Reasons why...
  5. D

    Describe Friend for Organizations/Schools/Companies

    1. He seems honest 2. He looks honest 3. Maybe he is hosnest What is the difference between them ?:blushing: Second, in order to recommend someone to some organizations/schools/companies, what words/statements you would use to describe him so that he can get the job/bonus/an increase in...
  6. I

    English Electric's OBX3 Circuit Breaker

    Hi there.. I'm righting this thread hoping that anybody can help regarding a specific issue. I'm looking for English electric circuit breakers (OBX3) that whore installed in the late 60's in circuits for heavy Industries, more specifically for the steel coil industries. I would like to...
  7. honestrosewater

    A case of English vs. classical logic

    If P, Q, and R are propositions, 1) ((P -> Q) & (P -> R)) <=> (P -> (Q & R)). But let P = I have exactly one dollar. Q = I have enough money to buy a coffee. R = I have enough money to buy a pickle. and (1) fails (though in only one direction) under the English interpretation that, if...
  8. O

    News English translation of the Danish article?

    I have been searching for an English translation of the article that appeared in Jyllands-Posten last September. I have found the original article in Danish here (without the cartoons): http://politiken.dk/VisArtikel.sasp?PageID=397712" Well, I think this is it but I cannot read it. I...
  9. B

    Billiard Ball backspin (draw English) - Rigid body dynamics

    I've been presented with the following problems, and would like some help/affirmation: SITUATION: A billiard ball with mass m and radius r is in rest on a horizontal table. The ball is hit with a billiard cue the height r/3 above the table, and has the velocity v0 immediately after the hit...
  10. S

    Ranting about University Lab TA's & English Essays

    Arghhh I'm sorry guys but I just have to go off on a rant! Why on Earth do universities assign TA's who cannot speak english to teach laboratory sections! I mean how are we supposed to learn anything when the TA has to struggle through sounding out the words on the lab sheet while trying to...
  11. A

    Understanding Null Space: A Plain English Guide

    could someone kinda explain in plain english what null space is? @@
  12. E

    Upgrading an Axim X5 from PPC2002 French to PPC2003/Wince English OS

    I have this Pocket PC Axim x5 installed PPC2002 FRENCH OS. I want to upgrade to PPC2003 or WINCE but in English OS.I tried to Upgrade but it end up telling me that it can not upgrade from Fench OS to English OS which means I have to Flash the ROM.What exactly is the step by step instruction to...
  13. K

    Need help with English homework? Check out these forums!

    I am interested in a forums similar to 'physics forum', but has more to do with the English language. I am looking to find a forum to help me with my english HW.
  14. S

    News Oxford English Dictionary defines terrorism

    I hear this term and I wonder, what in the world are they talking about? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definitions_of_terrorism Except for perhaps "Any policy of intimidation", and even that is a stretch, since I don't see how spray painting SUV's is intimidating. Even the most radical...
  15. T

    What is the English word for this type of diagram used in electronics?

    Quite a simple question really; I'm just learning about some simple electronics, the link below is an exam from Norway. On page 4 there is a figure. I am simply wondering what this type of diagram, schematic or whatever is called in english? Knowing the english word would make it so much easier...
  16. O

    English 101 - How do you pronounce Schaums?

    How do you pronounce Schaums as in the popular Schaums outlines? Is it Schaums as in "Shawms" or "Skawms". I heard someone calling it "Skooms" today and chuckled. I've always said it as "Shawms" is that correct? Just curious... Thanks
  17. wolram

    Lingusitics History of English Language - VT ebbS

    Try this site for the history of English, there are to many links to list http://ebbs.english.vt.edu/hel/hel.html
  18. honestrosewater

    Can recognizing Greek and Latin roots help with spelling English words?

    From another thread: My first thought was that most of English's ph words come from Greek. I'll try to find out for myself later, but does anyone already know if that's the case (perhaps it is at least the case in scientific terminology, which I imagine MB would encounter often)? I saw a Latin...
  19. Q

    I with 12th grade ENGLISH in ENGLAND and MATH

    OK let me explain. I go to a charter school, so the school is 4 hours and mostly on computers Before high school my math was horrible. When I got into high school i made a deterimation to get good grades in math. At first, I didn't succeed. But I studied, and eventually I was getting all A's...
  20. O

    What does this mean in english -Russian

    ya ruskayya, ti toeshhe? DULA I have no idea how to translate this.
  21. T

    What secrets lie behind the cozy atmosphere of the student union?

    I have this paper that I would like anyone who wants to, to read over it and give me some feedback and help me with general editing on spelling grammar, verb tense, consistent perspective i.e. you and your...over use of certain words and whatever else you think could be done to make this a...
  22. M

    English vs. SI units of mass and weight

    Hi, We know that the SI unit for mass is the kg, and that for force is the Newton, where 1 N = 1 Kg x the acceleration due to gravity. On the other hand, the English unit for mass is the slug, and that for force is the pound, and again we have a similar relationship based on Newton's...
  23. S

    Im English, what category do I fit into?

    I'm British and I'm in the 6th form (I'm 16, soon to turn 17 and doing A-Level Physics). Do I post my queries in the K-12 forum or the college forum?
  24. dduardo

    What type of american english do you speak?

    Take the test now: http://www.blogthings.com/amenglishdialecttest/ Here are my results: 80% General American English 15% Yankee 5% Dixie 0% Midwestern 0% Upper Midwestern
  25. W

    Need help translating from Physics to English

    I don't speak Physics, so I strongly request one of you gurus out there to tell me precisely what it means. I don't want any answers (please) or hints towards working the problem, because I should be doing all of that myself. Rather, I want to know what the given terms mean. The question "A...
  26. A

    English Naming Guide for Physics Variables in Flash Programming

    Hi there! I'm not english, and i learned Physics in German, so i don't know how certain things are called. I am programming a Rigid Body Dynamics Engine for Macromedia Flash, and I'm often not sure how to name my variables. Well, how are the following things called in english? 1. The...
  27. honestrosewater

    Would you support a new writing system for English?

    This could include changes to the alphabet, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc. - any rule for writing. But only writing; Everything would still be spoken the same way. So for instance, if you wanted to spell 'told' as 'telled', it would still be pronounced as 'told'. What would you...
  28. honestrosewater

    Speak English? An unlong, ilusual survey just for you

    Just something I put together for discussion and to ponder as I'm learning about morphology. I'm interested in your opinion, so there are no right or wrong answers. It's informal, but please record your answers to the survey before reading further into the thread. If you read ahead and go back...
  29. *Kia*

    Which English Words Contain All Five Vowels in Order?

    What English words contain all five vowels in the correct order but not neccessarily consecutively?
  30. *Kia*

    What is the Longest English Word with No Repeated Letters?

    What is the longest English word containing no letters more than once? (and no hyphens either)
  31. L

    How Can a Chinese Speaker Improve Their English Skills?

    I am a Chinese and my English is very bad. I hope you can parden my mistakes in using English. I will try my best. Thank you.
  32. E

    People Who Like A or C: Subset of Those Who Don't Like B and C

    I have trouble re-wording this statement in English: (A u C) is a subset of (B n C)' where A = {people who like A} B = {people who like B} C = {people who like C} I know that A subs. of B <=> B' subs. of A', but that does not seem to help; so far my formulation is...
  33. S

    I am learning English Literature ?

    I am now sad :mad:, so I read some books for fun and Canteburry Tales is what I would like to write an analysis about. But it is so long, can you just give me an understandable explanation like a summary about the story I am going to delve into in a few hours later on ? Thank you.
  34. DaveC426913

    Korean Cartoon Translation: Understanding Humor Across Cultures

    A friend found this cartoon and thought it looked funny, even he has no idea how to read Korean (I'm pretty sure it's Korean, the email address is Korean). Could someone translate? Apologies in advance if the humour turns out to be off-colour or offensive, I can't take any ownership of...
  35. Pengwuino

    Why is English the Dominant Subject in US Schools?

    One thing that really confuses me about the US school system (or at least i suspect this is how it is elsewhere) is how English has such a dominance in our curriculum. At my high school, we had to take 4 years of english. We only had to take 2 (and sometimes, 1) years of math though. We had 3...
  36. wasteofo2

    Help me jazz up my English paper with science vocab

    Here is the sentence in question which needs a jazz infusion: "In Slaughterhouse-Five, Vonnegut is so jaded by death that he is unable to draw any meaningful distinction between any different kinds of death, whether they are the deaths of the innocent millions killed in Nazi concentration...
  37. L

    Grades K-12 Equivalents in England - American to English

    what are the equivalants to grades k-12 in england? im presuming this website is american, and I'm english which is my excuse for being so ignorant. thanks
  38. tony873004

    Lingusitics Whose in charge of the English Language?

    This really isn't a homework question, but a curiosity prompted by being marked off for a gramatical error. I am going to go to the store. I'm going to go to the store. Both are accepted in conversational English, but in the 2nd one, I'm is a proper contraction for I am, but gonna...
  39. J

    AP English Class - What to Expect?

    Hey... my teacher has recommended me for AP English next year and was wondering if i am upto it... i wanted to know if Ap english requires you to have excellant writing skills ( which i don't possess...im an average writer.).. What are the topics covered in an AP english class? do they focus a...
  40. E

    Quick question for a confused English major

    English Major Translation: Knows little to less about physics. However, I have a question for some of you who DO know... I realize that it's all theory and that we can know what happens AT the speed of light, but I'm wondering this: Is it possible for only one singular light...
  41. D

    English Careers / Double Majors

    Does anyone know of any high paying jobs that can be achieved with an English degree(s)? What the the pay ranges? Also, how does doing a double major work? Can this allow you to get a Bachelor's degree in say, Biology and English?
  42. Z

    Dual gender singular reference in English

    I realized some time ago, that there was no singular term that refers to both genders! This is really quite annoying, since I've been using "him/her" quite a bit, and it gets tedious. Am I mistaken, and there actually is one, or can we all just agree on one? :D:D:D:D:D I propose "xem"...
  43. J

    Reading macbeth in my english class

    hey.. currently reading macbeth in my english class and needed to find more info on Fleance, Banquo's son... i can't find any major characteristics or his importance in the story...all i found out is that he fled away after banquos death and that's it.. Any help is appreciated.. thanks
  44. J

    Reading macbeth in my english class

    hey.. currently reading macbeth in my english class and needed to find more info on Fleance, Banquo's son... i can't find any major characteristics or his importance in the story...all i found out is that he fled away after banquos death and that's it.. Any help is appreciated.. thanks
  45. K

    What is the ratio test and how does it relate to geometric series?

    Can anyone explain what exactly the ratio test is comparing? undefinedSome say it is being compared to a geometric series...I love geo. series and I don't see how the test involves them. Thanx, Erin
  46. S

    Analyzing the Cause of King Duncan’s Death in Macbeth

    Hi. Am I allowed to post english questions? I had to write a paper on the cause of Duncan's death in macbeth. What do you think of my paper? What should I change or add? Please help. I need a really good grade on this. I'm not really good in english. :frown: Any help would be greatly...
  47. P

    How is the English Grading System for A-level Mathematics?

    I have applied to different universities in England and I would like to compare myself with English students, I have found some tests for math A levels. I am from Sweden by the way. I want to understand what AAA - AAB AS/A2 means and how the grading system works. What would I have to do...
  48. K

    Learn Report Speech: Which Sentence is Correct?

    i a year ago learned english. means i have learned english for 1 year. my teacher said, when using report speech we must change the senctence ex: duck: why didn't you say it is true ? duck'sfriend repeats duck's words: duck said why you didn't say it is true if duck's friend become: duck said...
  49. Saint

    TOEFL English Preparation Website

    Anyone can introduce me the best website to learn TOEFL english?
  50. A

    Proper Punctuation: Parentheses and Question Marks in English Writing

    Sigh please don't laugh :) I was writing in another thread and wrote "forewards" and "backwards." My spell checker caught it. Is this improper english? It wanted to write either "fore wards" or "fore-wards." The same for backwards. Also, when I write a sentence that has a part of it...
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