OLD GERMAN Meaning and
Definition
-
Old German refers to the Germanic languages spoken during the Early Middle Ages in the Germanic-speaking regions in Europe, particularly from the 5th to the 11th centuries. It is the earliest known form of the Germanic language family and is considered a predecessor to the Middle High German language. Old German was mainly spoken by the Germanic tribes inhabiting areas that would later become modern-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
In terms of linguistic features, Old German exhibits many notable characteristics that differentiate it from its modern counterparts. It is characterized by a complex system of declensions and conjugations, with a more intricate noun and verb inflection system than modern German. Additionally, Old German had a different word order, relying heavily on the use of strong and weak verbs. The vocabulary of Old German consisted primarily of Germanic words, but also included borrowings from Latin and Old Church Slavonic.
Old German played a crucial role in the development of the German language. It laid the foundations for subsequent stages such as Middle High German, which emerged in the 11th century. The study of Old German is important for scholars and historians, as it provides valuable insights into the linguistic and cultural history of the Germanic peoples during the Early Middle Ages.
Etymology of OLD GERMAN
The term "Old German" does not have a direct etymology, as it is not a word in itself. However, it is usually used to refer to the Old High German language, which was spoken in parts of what is now Germany from approximately the 6th century to around the 11th century.
The etymology of the term "Old High German" can be broken down as follows:
- "Old" comes from the Old English word "eald" or "ald", which ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "*aldaz". This word meant "aged" or "grown old" and is also the root of the modern English word "old".
- "High" refers to the fact that the language was spoken in the southern highlands of Germany, particularly in regions such as Bavaria, Swabia, and Alsace.
