Anglo Saxon English: A Linguistic Overview

Originated in England, English language is a West Germanic language that belongs to the Indo-European language family. From its introduction to the British Isles, the tremendous changes it experienced shaped and developed it into the current lingua franca. In order for English to become a dominant and significant language as it is now, it has gone through a development marked by signifi cant historical events and cultural exchanges. This study analyses Anglo Saxon English/Old English which is considered as the foundation of Englishes that are spoken and studied today. The key area that is analysed in this study includes the morphological features of Anglo Saxon English along with its comparison to the Modern English translation. Textual comparison is used for this purpose focusing on the historical poem: Caedmon’s Hymn. Furthermore, this research underscores how Old English morphology laid the groundwork for modern grammatical structures. The study reveals a gradual simplification of inflections over time, which led to a more streamlined syntax. Understanding these historical transformations enhances our appreciation of the language’s resilience and adaptability. The findings of this study emphasise the significance of historical linguistic evolution in shaping English, highlighting the enduring impact of its Anglo-Saxon roots on contemporary language. Keywords: Anglo Saxon English; English Language; Caedmon’s Hymn; Morphological Features; Old English