Final answer:
The four historical periods in the history of the English language are Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English, and Modern English.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four different historical periods in the history of the English language are:
- Old English - This period lasted from the 5th century to the 11th century. During this time, the language was heavily influenced by Germanic tribes and Vikings. Examples of Old English include the epic poem Beowulf.
- Middle English - This period lasted from 1150 to 1500. Middle English saw the Norman Conquest and the influence of French. Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is an example of Middle English.
- Early Modern English - This period lasted from 1500 to 1690. It saw the Renaissance and the emergence of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare's works, such as Romeo and Juliet, are written in Early Modern English.
- Modern English - This period began around 1700 and continues to the present day. Modern English is the form of the language we use today, with influences from various sources like Latin, Greek, and other languages.