What is a major influence on the development of the English language during the Old English period?

The development of the English language during the Old English period was significantly influenced by Christian missionaries who introduced Latin. This interaction brought a wealth of vocabulary, particularly in areas related to religion, culture, and education, as the missionaries translated Latin texts into Old English and taught the language to the Anglo-Saxons. The influence of Latin distinguished this period as it marked the transition from paganism to Christianity, promoting the integration of Latin terms and texts into the Anglo-Saxon lexicon.

While other factors like the Norman conquest and subsequent exploration would shape the language in later periods, the introduction of Latin during the Old English period primarily occurred through these early Christian efforts, ultimately enriching the English vocabulary and context during this formative stage.