Old English

Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, was the earliest form of the English language, spoken in England from about the 5th to the 12th century. It evolved from Germanic tribes' languages that settled in Britain. Old English is quite different from modern English, featuring unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Hallmarks include complex inflectional endings and a rich literary tradition, with notable works like "Beowulf." By the Norman Conquest in 1066, it began transforming into Middle English, incorporating Norman French influences, setting the stage for the modern English we use today.