What group managed to keep the English language alive for 300 years?

The group that managed to keep the English language alive for 300 years is a bit of a tricky question to answer. There wasn't one single group, but rather a continual process of evolution that involved various groups across different time periods. Here's a breakdown:

* Anglo-Saxons (449-1066 AD): The Anglo-Saxons played a key role in developing Old English, the predecessor to modern English. They brought their own language, which eventually blended with existing Celtic languages to form Old English.

* Vikings (793-1066 AD): While their impact was less extensive than the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings introduced new words and influenced the grammatical structure of Old English.

* Normans (1066 AD): The Norman Conquest introduced French, which significantly impacted the vocabulary and grammar of English, leading to the transition from Old to Middle English.

* Medieval Scribes and Writers: These individuals preserved and passed on knowledge, including written texts in English, which helped maintain the language's continuity.

* English Speakers Throughout History: The everyday use of the language, from merchants to farmers to artisans, kept it evolving and alive through constant practice and communication.

It's important to remember that language isn't static; it changes and adapts over time. Keeping English alive wasn't a singular effort, but rather a collective and ongoing process of language evolution and transmission.