The Scottish Language: The European Language that Shares the Most Words with English

When comparing the languages of Europe, the English language shares the most words with Scots, a language spoken primarily in Scotland. This article explores the relationship between Scots and English, providing insights into their shared vocabulary and linguistic heritage.

Scots and English: A Linguistic Relationship

Scots, often mistaken for a dialect of English, is actually a distinct and rich language in its own right. It is estimated that Scots shares around 37% of its vocabulary with English, making it the European language that shares the most words with English. This high level of shared vocabulary is primarily due to their common ancestry. Scots has been spoken in Scotland for several centuries and is found today throughout the Lowlands and Northern Isles.

Origins and Development of Scots

The roots of the Scots language can be traced back to the arrival of the Angles in Scotland around AD 600. During the Middle Ages, this language developed and grew apart from its sister tongue in England, evolving into a distinct Scots language by about 1400. Scots once served as the national language of Scotland and was used to write official records. Although it was displaced as the national language after the political union between Scotland and England in 1707, it continued to be spoken and written in various regional varieties.

Shared Vocabulary: The Historical Connection

The strong linguistic bond between Scots and English is evident in their shared vocabulary. Many common words and expressions in English have their roots in Scots. For example, the word buxom originally comes from Dutch, meaning 'buigsaam', which translates to 'supple or flexible'. Similarly, the word spot, which can mean a 'drink' in Scotland, is part of the Scots word tshpotoni, referring to a place of drinking or a pub. These examples highlight how Scots has contributed significantly to the English lexicon over the centuries.

Scots as a Contemporary Language

Today, Scots is spoken by millions of people in Scotland. While it is primarily a spoken language, it is still used in various forms of media and literature. Despite being officially discouraged in schools for many years, Scots has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent decades. Poets and writers such as Robert Burns have long used Scots in their work, and Scots continues to be heard in everyday conversations, homes, and communities throughout Scotland.

Conclusion

Scots is a unique and vital part of Scotland's linguistic heritage. Its rich vocabulary and close relationship with English make it a fascinating subject for linguists and enthusiasts alike. Understanding the importance of Scots in the broader context of European languages highlights the diversity and richness of the English language, further emphasizing its global significance.

Keywords: Scots, English, European Languages, Shared Vocabulary