BY A. M. MARTIN,
General Secretary C. L. S. C.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON “THE ART OF SPEECH.” VOL. I.
1. Q. What is the number of distinct tongues now employed? A. It is variously estimated from eight to nine hundred.
2. Q. From what tongues are elements taken that our English speech of to-day possesses? A. From every important tongue on the globe.
3. Q. To what three languages is the indebtedness of the English tongue disclosed, in almost every sentence framed? A. The French, the Latin, and the Greek.
4. Q. From what period does modern English speech date? A. From about 1550 A. D.
5. Q. For the two preceding centuries how is English speech characterized? A. As old English.
6. Q. For the next preceding two centuries, 1150 to 1350, how is English speech denominated? A. As Semi-Saxon, the outgrowth of the Norman invasions and conquests.
7. Q. What is the period called for five hundred years preceding the Semi-Saxon period? A. The Anglo-Saxon period.