Solution For All Chapters – English Class 11
Old English
Exercises
Q1. Write T for true and F for false statements:
a) A English is known also as Anglo-Celtic English.
b) Old English was a single uniform language.
c) The Writing system of Old English is very different from what we find today.
d) Scandinavian influence on the Old English vocabulary also affected the grammatical system.
e) The era of King Alfred was very bad for English literature.
Answer
(a) – False
(b) – False
(c) – True
(d) – True
(e) – False
Q2. Answer very briefly:
1. What was the impact of the Norman Conquest on vocabulary of English?
Answer – The Norman Conquest of 1066 introduced a large number of French words into the English vocabulary, particularly in areas like law, governance, art, and literature. This significantly expanded and enriched the English language, blending it with French elements and paving the way for the development of Middle English.
2. Name the four dialects on Old English.
Answer – The four dialects of Old English are Kentish, Northumbrian, Mercian, and West Saxon. These dialects developed due to the linguistic diversity brought by the different Anglo-Saxon tribes that settled in Britain.
3. Write the features of the Runic characters (alphabet)
Answer – The features of the Runic characters (alphabet) are:
i) Composed of sharp straight lines without curves
ii) Found on weapons, monuments, jewelry, and caskets made of bones
iii) Messages are difficult to derive as most are generally symbolic
iv) Used in the Northern and Western part of Europe (present-day Germany and Scandinavia) before the 6th Century
v) Gradually replaced by the Roman script after the spread of Christianity in the 6th Century.
4. Name the two major influences on the Old English.
Answer – The two major influences on Old English were Latin and Scandinavian.
i) Latin Influence: Latin had a significant impact on Old English, especially in terms of vocabulary. This influence began before the Anglo-Saxons arrived in Britain, with Latin being a dominant language in Europe due to the Roman Empire’s reach. The introduction of Christianity around AD 600 further intensified this influence, as many religious terms in Old English were derived from Latin. Additionally, Latin words related to military, agriculture, trade, and learning were incorporated into Old English.
ii) Scandinavian Influence: The second major influence came from the Scandinavian invasions, particularly during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries). The Scandinavians, mainly the Danes, had a close linguistic and cultural relationship with the Anglo-Saxons. Over time, their language influenced Old English, particularly in vocabulary. Words related to daily life, such as “egg,” “sky,” and “sister,” as well as some grammatical elements, were borrowed from Scandinavian languages. This influence extended beyond vocabulary, affecting the structure of the language as well.
5. Name the four manuscripts of the Old English that have survived.
Answer – The four manuscripts of Old English that have survived are:
i) The Beowulf Manuscript: This manuscript contains the epic poem Beowulf, which is considered one of the most important works of Old English literature.
ii) The Junius Manuscript: This manuscript contains a collection of Old English poems, including the Caedmon manuscript, which is one of the earliest surviving examples of English poetry.
iii) The Exeter Book: This manuscript contains a wide range of Old English poems, including elegies, riddles, and wisdom poetry.
iv) The Vercelli Book: This manuscript contains a collection of Old English prose and poetry, including homilies, saints’ lives, and poems like The Dream of the Rood.
Farein alam says
English