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Old English emerges from Germanic tribes settling in Britain. This early form of English was vastly different from modern English, with a complex system of inflections and primarily Germanic vocabulary.

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The Norman Conquest brings French influence to English, significantly transforming the language. This period marks the beginning of Middle English and the incorporation of numerous French and Latin words into the English vocabulary.

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A major sound change in English occurs, marking the transition from Middle English to Modern English. This shift significantly affects pronunciation and standardization of English.

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William Shakespeare's works contribute thousands of new words and phrases to English, demonstrating the language's flexibility and expanding its expressive capacity. His influence helps standardize Modern English.

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The Industrial Revolution, beginning in Britain, spreads English technical and scientific terminology worldwide. English becomes the language of innovation and technological progress.

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The British Empire reaches its height, covering approximately one-quarter of the world's population. English is imposed as an administrative language across colonies, establishing its global presence.

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The emergence of the United States as a global superpower after WWII further cements English's position as the international language of diplomacy, business, and popular culture.

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American music, movies, and television spread globally, making English the dominant language of entertainment and youth culture. The 'British Invasion' in music also contributes to English's cultural influence.

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The invention and spread of the Internet, with English as its primary language, revolutionizes global communication. HTML and major programming languages are developed with English-based syntax.

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English solidifies its position as the global lingua franca with the rise of social media, international business, and academic publishing. It becomes the default language for international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

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English is now spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, with 400 million native speakers and over 1.1 billion second-language speakers. It's the official language of major international organizations and the primary language of scientific research.