Three main periods in the history of the English language

During the Old English period, most additions to the English vocabulary were based on native English words. Old words were given new meanings, new words were formed by the addition of prefixes or suffixes, or by compounding. Latin was the most influential of foreign languages. The Scandinavians also influenced the language of English during the Old English period. From the eighth (8th)century, Scandinavians had raided and eventually settled in England, especially in the north and the east. This prolonged unfriendly contact had a considerable and varied influence on the English vocabulary. The Middle English period was marked by a great extension of foreign influence on English. The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought England under French rule.