THE LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY: MAJOR PERIODS AND CULTURAL MECHANICS OF LOANWORDS IN ENGLISH

Abstract

Linguistic borrowing is a fundamental mechanism of language change driven by cultural contact. This article explores the conceptual framework of loanwords, examining the asymmetric dynamics of language contact and the gradual process of conventionalization. It outlines the major historical periods of borrowing that shaped the English language—spanning from the pre-historical Germanic roots to modern global expansions. Through an analysis of distinct borrowing waves from Latin, Scandinavian, French, and various global languages, the paper demonstrates how the vocabulary of modern English serves as a historical record of geopolitical power, trade, and cultural integration.