Unlikely-looking Old English verb forms
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Eric Gerald Stanley
Abstract
This paper argues against the sense of certainty which editions and paradigms of Old English may have given us, texts emended quite often with several editors in agreement based on grammars now almost always unanimous in general and in detail. The manuscripts in which the texts have come down to us contain many rare forms of words, and these, especially when unique, may invite emendation to eliminate what is not easily explained. Unusual verb forms may be evidence that the verbal system of Old English was in a state of flux towards the end of the Anglo-Saxon period, the age to which the manuscripts belong. Textual and grammatical certainty and scholarly unanimity have led to the elimination of verb forms that look unlikely and feel uncomfortable in a grammar-dominated subject.
Abstract
This paper argues against the sense of certainty which editions and paradigms of Old English may have given us, texts emended quite often with several editors in agreement based on grammars now almost always unanimous in general and in detail. The manuscripts in which the texts have come down to us contain many rare forms of words, and these, especially when unique, may invite emendation to eliminate what is not easily explained. Unusual verb forms may be evidence that the verbal system of Old English was in a state of flux towards the end of the Anglo-Saxon period, the age to which the manuscripts belong. Textual and grammatical certainty and scholarly unanimity have led to the elimination of verb forms that look unlikely and feel uncomfortable in a grammar-dominated subject.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Uncovering layers of meaning in the history of the English language 1
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Part I. Graphemics and phonology
- Layers of reading in the Old English Bede 19
- Unlikely-looking Old English verb forms 39
- On the importance of noting uncertainty in etymological research 63
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Part II. Lexicology and semantics
- “A Wiltshire word, according to Kennett” 81
- Enforcing or effacing useful distinctions? 99
- The role of context in the meaning specification of cant and slang words in eighteenth-century English 129
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Part III. Syntax
- Let’s talk about uton 157
- Exploring part-of-speech profiles and authorship attribution in Early Modern medical texts 185
- The positioning of adverbial clauses in the Paston letters 211
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Part IV. Genres
- Complexity and genre conventions 233
- Formulaic discourse across Early Modern English medical genres 257
- “Treasure of pore men”, “countrymans friend” or “gentlewomans companion”? 301
- “I saw ye Child burning in ye fire” 319
- Name index 343
- Subject index 345
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Uncovering layers of meaning in the history of the English language 1
-
Part I. Graphemics and phonology
- Layers of reading in the Old English Bede 19
- Unlikely-looking Old English verb forms 39
- On the importance of noting uncertainty in etymological research 63
-
Part II. Lexicology and semantics
- “A Wiltshire word, according to Kennett” 81
- Enforcing or effacing useful distinctions? 99
- The role of context in the meaning specification of cant and slang words in eighteenth-century English 129
-
Part III. Syntax
- Let’s talk about uton 157
- Exploring part-of-speech profiles and authorship attribution in Early Modern medical texts 185
- The positioning of adverbial clauses in the Paston letters 211
-
Part IV. Genres
- Complexity and genre conventions 233
- Formulaic discourse across Early Modern English medical genres 257
- “Treasure of pore men”, “countrymans friend” or “gentlewomans companion”? 301
- “I saw ye Child burning in ye fire” 319
- Name index 343
- Subject index 345
