THE IMPACT OF LATIN ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Abstract

The article examines the historical, linguistic, and educational influence of Latin on English vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. It highlights how Latin has contributed to the lexical enrichment of English, particularly in academic, scientific, legal, and ecclesiastical domains. The study traces Latin loanwords through various periods, including Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English, and emphasizes their role in the expansion of English morphological and syntactic structures. The article also explores the mechanisms of borrowing, such as direct contact through literature, the church, and scholarly communication, as well as indirect influence through French and other Romance languages. Additionally, it discusses how Latin-based terms shaped English word formation processes, including affixation, compounding, and derivation. The study concludes that Latin’s influence is not merely historical but continues to affect contemporary English, especially in technical, academic, and professional registers. By linking historical linguistics with practical language development, the article provides valuable insights for scholars, educators, and linguists interested in the etymology, vocabulary expansion, and standardization of English.