Exploring Charlemagne's Identity: How He Called Himself and the Pronunciation of His Name
The name of the revered Frankish leader, Charlemagne, has sparked curiosity across the ages. Known as Charles the Great in English, his Latin name was Carolus Magnus. In the Old Frankish tongue, his name was rendered as Karolus Magnu. This article delves into the intricacies of how Charlemagne referred to himself and the pronunciation of his name from a linguistic perspective.
The Use of Latin and Old Frankish Names
Aside from his handsomely Latinized name Carolus Magnus, Charlemagne was also addressed as Kaiser. The term Kaiser later influenced the German terminology for the emperor, reflecting Charlemagne's significant role in the formation of the Holy Roman Empire. While there is uncertainty about whether he used the honorary title during his lifetime, the core of the discussion remains his Latin and Old Frankish names.
In addition to the Latin and Old Frankish nomenclature, Charlemagne was known by the titles Karl or Karel. The exact usage of these names is subject to some debate, with the honorary title der Gro?e (the Great) potentially being used.
Linguistic Variations and Pronunciation
Understanding how Charlemagne would have referred to himself and pronounced his name requires a deep dive into the linguistic variations of the time. The Frankish nobility spoke a forerunner of Middle Franconian Middle German or Low Franconian Dutch. If the honorary title had indeed been used, it likely would have been pronounced as Karel der Groot.
The pronunciation of this name would have been quite different from its modern counterparts. The vowel 'o' would not have been diphthongized, remaining a long and pure vowel, and the 'r' would have been pronounced as a trill, similar to how older Dutch or modern Afrikaans pronounce 'r'. The article, as per modern German, would have used the article 'der'.
The Controversy Surrounding Charlemagne's Existence
Some scholars and commentators, such as Travis Casey, have pointed out that there is a lack of definitive evidence regarding Charlemagne's reign. This has led to debates on the historical existence of Charlemagne, with some arguing that he could be a fictional character fabricated by 12th-century Christian monks to bolster the narrative of Church lands.
Supporters of the theory that Charlemagne was a fiction including Heribert Illig and others, argue that more questions should be directed towards whether angels even exist rather than whether they have wings. They contend that the absence of concrete evidence raises serious doubts about the historical accuracy of many narratives involving Charlemagne.
Despite these theories, the linguistic aspects of Charlemagne's name and pronunciation continue to fascinate historians and linguists. For those interested in gaining a more accurate understanding of how he would have referred to himself and pronounced his name, listening to a High Franconian variety of German would provide a more authentic experience.
In conclusion, while the historical existence of Charlemagne remains a subject of debate, the linguistic aspects of his name offer valuable insights into the language and culture of the Frankish Empire. Understanding the nuances of language and pronunciation not only enriches our knowledge of the past but also serves as a testament to the evolving nature of human communication.