Angles Quote by Joseph Devlin
““The English language is the tongue now current in England and her colonies throughout the world and also throughout the greater part of the United States of America. It sprang from the German tongue spoken by the Teutons, who came over to Britain after the conquest of that country by the Romans. These Teutons comprised Angles, Saxons, Jutes and several other tribes from the northern part of Germany. They spoke different dialects, but these became blended in the new country, and the composite tongue came to be known as the Anglo-Saxon which has been the main basis for the language as at present constituted and is still the prevailing element.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The English Language, Joseph Devlin, 1913
The quote outlines the historical development of English from Germanic roots, emphasizing the blend of Anglian dialects into the modern Anglo‑Saxon foundation that dominates today.
In simple terms: English evolved from Germanic tribes mixing in Britain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize language as a living, blended heritage.
Themes
history
linguistics
colonialism
identity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- heritage preservation
- colonial policy discussions
- language teaching
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Germanic roots
language evolution
cultural diffusion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does linguistic blending shape cultural identity?
- What role do later influences play in today’s English?
A Different Perspective
The quote overlooks the influence of later borrowings (Latin, French, global languages) on modern English.
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