This dissertation aims at explaining the enormous impact of Old Norse on the English language, more prominent in quality than in quantity. Such influence is firstly dealt with by focusing on the historical and sociocultural context, which, split into different periods, becomes of paramount importance in order to grasp the essence of such contact, both linguistic and cultural, between both societies throughout the centuries. Linguistically, general features of the Germanic group of languages are approached from different perspectives, mainly from the phonetical and morphosyntactic ones. Likewise, such analysis is followed by a comparative one between Old Norse and Old English as coexisting languages, thus allowing similarities and differences between both of them to come to the fore. Finally, the Old Norse influence is covered by taking into special account morphosyntactic and lexical elements, that is, those areas where both Germanic languages have come closer to each other. Therefore, this has allowed us to delve into those numerous items stemming either from the same or from dissimilar sources, most of which, whatever the case, are still substantially present in the everyday uses of today’s English.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION AND TOPIC DESCRIPTION
- Nature of the research
- Background
- Objectives
- Relevance
- Hypothesis
- Operational definitions
- Cognates
- Danelaw
- Grimm's Law
- Intercomprehension
- Interculturality
- Metathesis
- Rhotacism
- Umlaut
- Verner's Law
- LITERATURE REVIEW
- Historical, social and cultural contact
- First period (787-850)
- Second period (850-878)
- Third period (878-1042)
- The Germanic group of languages
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Old English and Old Norse: a comparative analysis
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Historical, social and cultural contact
- THE INFLUENCE OF OLD NORSE ON MODERN ENGLISH
- Intercomprehension and interculturality
- Linguistic borrowings
- Morphology
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- DISCUSSION
- Results
- Implications
- Limitations of the study
- Lines for future research
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This dissertation aims to explain the significant impact of Old Norse on the English language, focusing on its qualitative rather than quantitative influence. It examines this influence by first exploring the historical and sociocultural context, divided into distinct periods, which is crucial for understanding the linguistic and cultural contact between these societies throughout history. Linguistically, the dissertation investigates general features of the Germanic group of languages from phonological and morphosyntactic perspectives. A comparative analysis of Old Norse and Old English as coexisting languages follows, highlighting similarities and differences between them. Finally, the study delves into the specific areas of morphosyntax and vocabulary where Old Norse influence on English is most evident.
- The historical and sociocultural context of the contact between Old Norse and Old English.
- The linguistic features of the Germanic group of languages, particularly phonology and morphosyntax.
- A comparative analysis of Old Norse and Old English, exploring similarities and differences between these languages.
- The influence of Old Norse on English, with a focus on morphosyntactic and lexical elements.
- The impact of Old Norse on Modern English vocabulary and grammar.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter, "Introduction and Topic Description," sets the stage for the dissertation. It introduces the research topic, its relevance, and its objectives, along with key operational definitions. The second chapter, "Literature Review," provides a comprehensive historical, social, and cultural background to the contact between Old Norse and Old English, detailing the three main periods of contact. It also delves into the general characteristics of the Germanic group of languages, specifically focusing on phonology and morphology. This chapter concludes with a comparative analysis of Old Norse and Old English, examining similarities and differences in their phonology and morphology. The third chapter, "The Influence of Old Norse on Modern English," explores the impact of Old Norse on the development of Modern English. It highlights the concepts of intercomprehension and interculturality and then examines linguistic borrowings, specifically focusing on their effects on morphology, grammar, and vocabulary.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This dissertation centers on the significant influence of Old Norse on the English language, focusing on its qualitative impact. It explores the historical and sociocultural context of this linguistic contact, investigates general features of the Germanic group of languages, and conducts a comparative analysis of Old Norse and Old English. The primary areas of investigation include the impact of Old Norse on the morphosyntax and vocabulary of English, with particular emphasis on the development of Modern English.
Key terms include: cognates, contact, influence, Modern English, intercomprehension, interculturality, loanwords, Old Norse, Scandinavian, stem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Old Norse influence the English language?
Old Norse had a significant qualitative influence, especially in morphosyntax and vocabulary, stemming from the historical contact between Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons.
What was the "Danelaw" and why is it important?
The Danelaw was the area of England where Viking laws and customs held sway, providing the geographical and cultural basis for intense linguistic exchange.
Are there many Old Norse loanwords in Modern English?
Yes, many everyday English words and grammatical elements (like the pronouns "they", "them", "their") have Old Norse origins.
Could speakers of Old English and Old Norse understand each other?
The dissertation explores the concept of "intercomprehension," suggesting that due to their shared Germanic roots, basic communication between the two groups was likely possible.
What are "cognates" in the context of this study?
Cognates are words in different languages that share a common etymological origin, which is a key focus when comparing Old English and Old Norse.
How does Grimm's Law relate to this research?
Grimm's Law describes the sound shifts that characterize Germanic languages, helping to explain the phonological similarities and differences between English and Norse.
- Quote paper
- Rafael Damas Quiles (Author), 2017, Quality over Quantity. A Diachronic Approach to the Influence of Old Norse on the English Language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/416100
