The history of the English language is a complex tapestry of gradual developments and short, sharp shocks, of isolation and mutual influences, of borrowings and obsolescences. I am unlikely to do it justice in this short exposition, but it may at least suffice to give an overview of the main developments. There are many sources of further information which can be consulted by those requiring more (or less) detail, some of which are listed on the Sources and Links page.