The Greek language has had a tremendous influence on the English language. English also shares a common prehistoric ancestor with Latin and Greek. A portion of these borrowings come directly from Latin, or through one of the Romance languages, particularly Anglo-Norman and French, but some also from Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish; or from other languages (such as Gothic, Frankish or Greek) into Latin and then into English. Greek had a large influence on Latin, and Romance languages had their influence on English, so something of Greek origin may have creeped into English through other means. For example, the word, promise, comes from "pro-mitto," meaning to send before. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Some Greek words were borrowed into Latin and its descendants, the Romance languages. Some Greek words were borrowed into Latin and its descendants, the Romance languages. This alone make Latin the most important language to influence English. In our everyday lives we use Greek root words and definitions all the time. English has borrowed words from several languages over the course of its histo­ ry. The Latin (Classical) influence on the English Language is the earliest and perhaps the greatest of all the influences. The English language has been particular­ ly open to foreign influences (Serjeantson 1993: 1). The English Language History of Greek and Latin Influences 17th-20th Century 1500-1650 Roman Catholic Church continued to use Latin English continued to incorporate Latin and Greek words into everyday language. Just like the Greek alphabet was used in Greece, alphabets around the World today are used to express and comprehend thoughts. Also the Greek language influenced the Latin. Influences, however, will be remarked on the lexical and morphological fields. Start studying History of Greek and Latin Influence on the English Language. Latin and Greek are related due to both being descended from the same prehistoric ancestor language. Let's take a look at some words we use today! However, a significant portion of the English word-hoard comes from Romance and Latinate sources. English is a Germanic language, having a grammar and core vocabulary inherited from Proto-Germanic. Latin was (and still is, in some places) viewed as a learning language, or a language of education. But the origins of a language need not be the origins of each and every word. The Renaissance Latin began its influence on the English language long before English was an established language, and it continues its influence even today. Therefore, due to length restrictions, other aspects such as phonology will Most languages have a single origin (though creoles and mixed languages have two). Since the living Greek and English languages were not in direct contact until modern times, borrowings were necessarily indirect, coming either through Latin (through texts or various vernaculars) or from Ancient Greek texts, not the living language. Indirect and direct borrowings Since the living Greek and English languages were not in direct contact until modern times, borrowings were necessarily indirect, coming either through Latin (through texts or various vernaculars), or from Ancient Greek texts, not the living language. This paper examines the enormous productivity of Latin in the English language throughout time. In this way the quantitative nature of Greek language caused Roman poets to emphasise quantity in Latin in a way they wouldn't otherwise have done. About 70% of our english words come from Latin. 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