Notice that Latin was the language used by Romans, and being in charge of the European world at that time, it made it (Latin) the language everyone had to use to do business, to write and interpret laws, etc.
While English does not come from Latin, more from Old German, Norse (Norway), Swede (Sweden) and other Scandinavian languages, Latin was quite influential on the English language. Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Romanian come directly from the language of the Roman Empire.
You will see how Latin had a strong influence in many English vocabulary words. Almost 48% of English words can be traced to Old French, Norman, and Latin. Use the map! It is interactive!
Homework assignment: due
Questions:
1- What do you notice when you click on the dates at the bottom of the map?
2- Where the Romans ever in England? How do you know? What years?
3- Notice that the Celts (pronounced Kelts) were also living in Europe during that time. They did not speak Latin. What do you notice about the change in color in the map between the last two dates? What can you infer from that?
