Old English is the language of the Germanic inhabitants of England, dated from the time of their settlement in the 5th century to the end of the 11th century. It is also referred to as Anglo-Saxon, a name given in contrast with the Old Saxon of the inhabitants of northern Germany; these are two of the dialects of West Germanic, along with Old Frisian, Old Franconian, and Old High German.

Learn Old English Language Learning An entire show dedicated to the language spoken by the Anglo-Saxon peoples: how to speak/read it, the literature, and the culture.

Learn Old English with Leofwin. ‘Learn old English with Leofwin’ is a teach-yourself book presenting the English of around 990AD for younger readers and non-language specialists. It is available from Anglo-Saxon Books, or can be ordered from bookshops. A video version of part of the first chapter appears below.