The Old Saxon Language: Grammar, Epic Narrative, Linguistic Interference

by Irmengard Rauch

This book, the first grammar of the Old Saxon language written in English, is self-contained with its inclusion of selected readings from the Heliand epic and appropriate comparative readings from two interference dialects, Old High German and Old English. It introduces the reader, regardless of degree of linguistic training, to the basic structure of a Germanic dialect. As a diachronic synchrony (variation and change within the Old Saxon time frame), The Old Saxon Language is largely dictated by cognitive strategies needed to unravel semantically a sentence or larger piece of discourse. A semantic focus pervades the entire grammar, which proceeds in the best Berkeley tradition of prompting the student to mingle intellectually with researching faculty. Thus, many of the most sophisticated research problems surrounding the study of Old Saxon are addressed.

Genres: Language

Hardcover

First published December 1, 1992

Reviews

[Michael Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rauch's book, part of the Berkeley Models of Grammars series, begins with a title page, The Old Saxon Language and right beneath that are the words, Grammar, Epic Narrative, Linguistic Inference. The book is dedicated to Gerald, Chris, and Greg. No pictures. A map is available on page xxiii: Old Saxon Speech Area. "Altsachsisch" is printed across the map. This area includes Essen on the southwestern corner, Halle in the southeastern corner, and Bremen in the middle, upper portion of the map. Hamburg is located in the northeastern corner.

"Altfrieschish" is located along the coast, while Danisch will be discovered in the northeastern sections of the map.

What source material is available for those interested in pursuing more skill with Old Saxon? The answer to this question will be found on Page One, the Heiland narrative and the Genesis narrative. An excellent sentence is provided on the next page: ic is engil bium or "I am his angel."