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Because it is closely related to German and the other Germanic languages. English is a descendant of Anglo-Saxon, the language which developed out of that spoken by a number of tribes from what is now northern Germany. Those tribes moved to Britain in large number when the Roman Empire let Britain go. They moved to Britain with the agreement of the remaining ex-Romans in Britain to act as protectors, but soon ended up in conflict. The ex-Roman Britons were pushed back to what is now Wales and Cornwall, and the Anglo-Saxons took the rest of England. Their German ancestry was forgotten by anyone who wasn't a historian. The descendants of the Anglo-Saxons eventually also conquered Cornwall (making it part of England) and Wales (which retained more of its own identity) The descendants of the ex-Roman Britons are now known as the Welsh, those of the Anglo-Saxons are known as the English.

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Related Questions

Is English a Germanic or Romance language?

English is a Germanic language.


What English is part of which language branch?

English is a West Germanic language that is part of the Germanic language branch within the Indo-European language family.


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How was the Germanic language brought into the English language?

The influence of Old English and the migration of Germanic tribes like the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes to England around the 5th century brought Germanic language roots into English. This influence can be seen in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation patterns that persist in modern English.


Is English a Germanic language?

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Why is English considered a Germanic language?

German is a west Germanic language. It is descended from the proto-Germanic language. For more information, see the links below.


Is English a Celtic language?

No. English is a Germanic language. (a "cousin" branch to celtic)


What language family did Old English belong to?

English belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European family.


Is Hindi the root of the English language?

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