If you’ve ever heard the term “Anglish“, but aren’t sure what it is, this article will help you. Let’s discuss the meaning and significance of Anglish.
The Story of how the English Language came to be: A brief history
English borrowed words heavily from other languages in order to create them (known collectively as loanwords). This is part why we have such rich vocabulary. England shared cultural contact throughout its history with many other tribes and races. Roman, Viking, or Norman invasions brought Latin, Norse and French to Britain.
The Angles (where English is found) were originally a Germanic tribal from Denmark. After the fall and occupation of the Roman Empire, the Angles inhabited the British Isles. They were later joined by the Saxons, and the Anglo Saxon language was later popularized, but it was far from over.
The Vikings introduced their language to the islands. Later, they brought the French. With all the new vocabulary added and linguistic influences, English language continued its growth and development.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to speak English in modern times without borrowing words and phrases from other sources. Much of English vocabulary comes directly from Latin Greek, German German, French and many other languages. Even very common vocabulary like street and wine and marriage, take, or husband is non-Anglish.
Anglish is the “Pure” English
What is Anglish then? Anglish means a version that is as close to the English language as possible without borrowing words. Paul Jennings was the one who coined this term. He wrote several articles for Punch in 1966. He speculated about how English would have developed if it weren’t for the Norman conquests.
If you would like to see Anglish being used, visit The Anglish Moot. This wiki-like site contains text in modern English. It doesn’t use any loanwords. It isn’t difficult, although it can be a little tedious to navigate. However, Anglish and modern English are very mutually comprehensible. You will be able to appreciate the number of loanwords English uses each day.
For an example, consider the first paragraphs of this article on the USA. It is commonly known in Anglish under The Banded Peopledoms of Americksland.
The Banded Folkdoms of Americksland are the most populated land within the landstretch of North Americksland. It is made up of three branches of the rike, the Leaderly, Lawmootly, or the Lawlordly. English is the predominant language of the land, but some Spanish is also spoken.
Americksland, as it is commonly known, has the highest landgeld, warband, and wealth in the entire world. Since the fall of Band of Workermootly Kithish Commonwealths, (BWKC), Americksland has been the world’s lone overrike.
Americksland joined England in 1812, and was then unified with England until the Americkish Uprising began in 1776. It started with the Saying Forth of the Selfhood of the Americksland’s Banded Folkdoms. Americksland was involved in several other wars including the War of 1812 (with Mexico), the Americkish Kith War (with Spain), and the two World Wars.