The English language has a long and complex history, with roots dating back to the 5th century AD when Germanic tribes, such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, migrated to what is now England. These tribes spoke various Germanic languages, which evolved over time to become Old English. In the centuries that followed, Old English continued to develop and was heavily influenced by other languages, including Latin and Norse. This period, known as the Middle English period, saw the emergence of some of the most famous works of English literature, including Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The modern English period began in the 15th century, with the introduction of the printing press, which standardized spelling and helped to spread the language throughout the world. During this time, English continued to evolve, with the Renaissance bringing new vocabulary and grammar rules. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the English language underwent a significant expansion as the British Empire spread around the globe. This led to the adoption of many new words from other languages, particularly from French, which had a significant influence on the language. Today, English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with an estimated 1.5 billion speakers. It is also the official language of many countries and is used as a lingua franca in many others. The language continues to evolve, with new words and phrases being added all the time, reflecting the changing nature of the world we live in.