Final answer:
The English language in works like Beowulf is complex due to its roots in Old English, which was heavily influenced by Germanic languages, Latin through Roman contact, and later by Norman French following the Norman Conquest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The complexity of the English language found in works like Beowulf arises from a rich tapestry of linguistic influences. Old English, the language Beowulf is written in, dates from around 450 to 1066 A.D. This form of English exhibits a strong foundation in the Germanic languages, primarily due to the Anglo-Saxon invaders from regions that are now parts of southern Denmark and northern Germany. However, the English language also absorbed a considerable amount of Latin influence through contact with Roman civilization and the introduction of Christianity, which brought the Latin alphabet and many ecclesiastical terms into the language.
Dates and times in English demonstrate the Latin influence with the months of the year derived from the Roman calendar and the days of the week showing a mix of Latin and Germanic roots. Following waves of Viking invasions and eventually the Norman Conquest in 1066, additional Scandinavian and Norman French influences permeated the language, adding further to its complexity. The layer upon layer of linguistic and cultural influence over the centuries has transformed the original Germanic base of the language into what we now recognize as English, a linguistically rich and intricate language.