Which group did not influence early English?

Which group did not influence early English?

• A. Basques.
• B. Vikings
• C. Angles
• D. French

Answer: (A)

Language diffusion through invasion, migration, and contact shapes how a language develops. Old English formed from the West Germanic dialects spoken by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who settled in Britain after the Roman era. When Norse-speaking Vikings settled in the north and east, their language left a lasting mark on English vocabulary and even some grammar. After the Norman Conquest, Norman French brought a large influx of words and terms used in law, government, and culture. Basques, however, did not participate in this early formation; there was little direct contact or settlement in early medieval England to transfer Basque language features. As a result, Basques did not influence early English, while the others did through direct interaction and settlement.

Language diffusion through invasion, migration, and contact shapes how a language develops. Old English formed from the West Germanic dialects spoken by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who settled in Britain after the Roman era. When Norse-speaking Vikings settled in the north and east, their language left a lasting mark on English vocabulary and even some grammar. After the Norman Conquest, Norman French brought a large influx of words and terms used in law, government, and culture. Basques, however, did not participate in this early formation; there was little direct contact or settlement in early medieval England to transfer Basque language features. As a result, Basques did not influence early English, while the others did through direct interaction and settlement.