Final answer:
English is a part of the West Germanic subgroup within the Germanic language family. Its growth as a global language was propelled by colonization and influence from the British Empire and the United States. English comprises standard and nonstandard dialects and has been influenced heavily by both Germanic and Latin elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The English language is part of the West Germanic subgroup. This subgroup falls under the larger Germanic language family, which is one of the three dominant Indo-European language groups in Europe. English shares this linguistic classification with other languages like German and Dutch. The English language, with Anglo-Saxon origins, has undergone significant evolution, particularly through the influence of Latin. For example, in measuring time, the months are named after Roman gods and emperors due to Roman influence, whereas days of the week like Saturday and Sunday reflect both Latin and Germanic influences. The global spread of English can also be attributed to the British Empire's colonization efforts and America's later global influence.
Standard dialects of English, which abide by specific rules for grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, have gained prevalence, especially in formal settings. Nonstandard dialects, conversely, are seen as having less stature and often diverge from these norms. The remarkable expansion of the English language is not due to its simplicity but rather its capacity to assimilate words from different languages and its diverse utilization in various domains of power and culture.