The Influence of Anglo-Saxon Culture on the English Language

Exploring the Origins and Evolution of Old English

Introduction to the Anglo-Saxon World

  • Anglo-Saxon culture and its impact on language
  • Significance of geography and history of British Isles
  • Importance of regional dialects and their role in shaping language
  • Link between dialect and power, and dialect and culture

Language and Verbal Artifacts

  • Verbal artifacts as the primary focus in Anglo-Saxon culture
  • Differentiating the course as a study of language history
  • Exploring how words build structures for the mind
  • Tense relationship between borrowed words and native coinage

Borrowing in Old English

  • Overview of periods of borrowing in Old English
  • Continental borrowing before the Germanic migration
  • Insular borrowing during the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England
  • Examples of borrowed words and their origins

Continental Borrowings

  • Explanation of borrowing during the continental period
  • Influence of Roman presence and culture
  • Examples of borrowed words related to war, trade, and cultural aspects
  • Highlighting the significance of the word 'street' and its Roman origins

Insular Borrowings

  • Explanation of borrowing during the insular period
  • Influence of Latin religious concepts and Celtic/Scandinavian languages
  • Examples of borrowed words related to Christianity and Norse influence
  • Highlighting differences in pronunciation and connotations

Word Formation in Old English

  • Overview of Old English word formation
  • Role of compounding and its different forms
  • Repetitive compounding and its effect on meaning
  • Prefixes as a common way of creating new words

Cadman's Hymn: Origin and Influence

  • Story of Cadman and the angelic inspiration
  • Translation of Latin concepts into Old English
  • Role of alliteration and formulaic expressions
  • Unique vocabulary and metaphorical language

Conclusion: Legacy of Anglo-Saxon Culture

  • Reflection on the influence of Anglo-Saxon culture
  • Transition to future periods of English language development
  • Implications for linguistics, literature, and cultural history
  • Relevance of the study of Old English in modern contexts