LANGUAGES IN WESTERN EUROPE

1. How did language originate in this region?

Languages in Western Europe mainly fall under two Indo-European branches: the Romance Branch, derived from Latin from the Roman Empire, and the Germanic branch, originating in Southern Scandinavia. The main languages in West Europe are Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian, German, and English.

2. How and why did these languages diffuse and where did they diffuse to?

Italy, France, and Spain retained the influence of Latin after the fall of the Roman Empire. The Germanic areas east and north of the Rhine were never fully brought under control of the Romans. The Celts in England weren't strong enough to resist the invading tribes (Angles and Saxons).

3. Are there any conflicts among languages?

Conflicts among languages are usually caused by "ethnic separatism." There have been language conflicts in Great Britain, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. There is currently language conflict in Belgium. The Flemish are being oppressed and there is conflict between them and the Walloons.

4. Are there any revived or endangered languages?

EXTINCT LANGUAGES:

• Walloon language
• Breton language
• Norman language
• Yiddish language
• Romani language
• Romansh language
• Irish language

REVIVED LANGUAGES:

• Cornish language
• Latin language
• Manx language
• Picard language