Reading Old English
A Primer and First Reader, Revised Edition
With the immersion method dominating contemporary language learning, the knowledge of traditional grammar is at a low ebb, creating real barriers to any student wanting to learning dead or historical languages. This revised edition of Reading Old English aims to equip readers (advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and autodidacts) with the necessary tools to read the oldest recorded forms of the English language by explaining key language features clearly and methodically, without simplifying any of the core grammatical concepts. It includes a number of helpful exercises, a variety of interesting and unusual Old English texts to translate, as well as appendices covering the basics of traditional grammar and sound changes in Old English, along with an introduction to poetic structure.
By focusing on the main goal of learning to translate Old English texts, students gain access to this fascinating body of literature much more quickly. Their confidence is bolstered and many of them go on to learn more about the language and culture once they have mastered the basics. In short, this approach generates enthusiasm and a desire to learn,
rather than stifling it.’
David F. Johnson, Florida State University
Robert Hasenfratz is Professor of Medieval Studies, University of Connecticut and editor of Ancrene Wisse. Thomas J. Jambeck is Professor of Medieval Studies, University of Connecticut and author of Grammar and the Strategies of Writing.
Preface
How to use this book
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Chapter 1: Old English Alphabets and Pronunciation
Chapter 2: Getting Started: Nouns
Chapter 3: “Weak” Nouns and Regular Verbs
Chapter 4: Weak Verbs Class III and Irregular Verbs
Chapter 5: Learning How to Translate
Chapter 6: Adjectives and Adverbs, Prepositions
Chapter 7: Personal Pronous, Reflexives, Relatives
Chapter 8: Strong Verbs I
Chapter 9: Strong Verbs II
Chapter 10: Rarer Noun Forms
Chapter 11: Contract Verbs, Impersonal Constructions
Appendix 1: A Basic Introduction to Traditional Grammar
Appendix 2: Summary of Sound Changes
Additional Readings
Main Glossary
