European Languages

Today’s Standards SS6G11 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Europe. A. Explain the diversity of European languages as seen in a comparison of German, English, Russian, French, and Italian. Essential Questions How did Europe’s land formations help influence its many different languages? Why has English become an important language in Europe?

Roman Empire Boundaries Covered most of southern Europe, north Africa, and parts of the Middle East

Roman Empire Built roads to connect all parts of the empire

Roman Empire Roman Roads made it possible to trade across natural boundaries

Roman Empire Shared an economy and language

Fall of Rome Trade routes were destroyed No more roads No more money No more goods No more common language

Confined by Natural Boundaries Without roads, communication and trading was limited

New Cultures Countries begin to develop New economies with local goods and money New languages

New Languages

New Languages

Another Common Language Europeans were without a common language for nearly 2000 years. English exploration helped unite Europe

“The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire” The British were able to obtain and ship goods all over the world. People would have to speak English in order to trade

Notes Europe was once united by the Roman Empire. Europeans shared a common economy, were able to trade goods, and shared a common language. Without the Romans, there were no roads for trading, to goods to trade, and no money to buy goods with. With no roads, people were separated by mountains, rivers, and long distances. Over time, Latin was replaced by local languages. Many languages made trading difficult. Almost 2000 years later, the British Empire would make trading possible again. English became the common language in Europe. The British Empire helped reunite Europe.