The Linguistic Interrelations Between Anglo-Saxon and Icelandic/Viking Languages: Old Norse
The Background of Migration and Early Medieval Languages
During the Migration Period, there was a dialect continuum between Norse Anglian Saxon, Low Franconian, and other Celtic languages. As a result, Vikings played a significant role in the linguistic landscape of Europe, particularly in the expansion of Old Norse. Angles, Saxons, and Jutes moved along the coast of Frisia, eventually settling in Britain. In the process, Old Norse vocabulary began to influence the existing Old English language. This influence was particularly noticeable during the Viking Age, when hundreds of Norse words were incorporated into the already similar vocabulary of Old English.
The Influence of Norse on Middle English
During the Middle English period, particularly under Norman influence, there were further linguistic changes that were heavily influenced by Norse. Despite this, modern English retains much of its Anglo-Saxon heritage, with many words rooted in Danish rather than Old Norse. Although some South Swedish and East Danish dialects are mutually intelligible with Old English texts, the overall relationship between these languages is complex. Scandinavians and Dutch are noted for their proficiency in English as non-native speakers, reflecting the historical connections between these languages.
The Significant Differences Between Old Norse and Other Germanic Languages
Old Norse stands out as the sole representative of the North Germanic branch during early medieval times. Concurrently, Old English belongs to the West Germanic languages along with Old Frisian, Old Low Franconian (ancestor of Dutch), Old Saxon (ancestor of Low German), and Old High German (ancestor of modern standard German). This historical context reveals that Old Norse and Old English were more distant than English was from the other West Germanic languages, with Old Norse being considered an "Uncle" rather than a "Sister" language to Old English.
The Danelaw and Middle English Influences
The Danelaw, a region under Viking control or influence in early medieval Britain, experienced significant linguistic changes under Norse influence. In Middle English, Old Norse had a profound impact, particularly in vocabulary and potentially in syntax and simplification of inflections. While the English spoken in areas of the former Danelaw differed from that in southeastern England, the overall relationship between Old Norse and Old English indicates a more distant relationship than between Old English and languages like Old Saxon or Old Frisian.
Conclusion
The relationship between Anglo-Saxon and Icelandic/Viking languages Old Norse is complex and dynamic. While Old Norse had a significant influence on Old English, particularly during the Viking Age and Middle English period, the linguistic differences between these languages are substantial. Understanding these interrelations is crucial for comprehensive linguistic studies and provides insights into the evolution of English and its historical connections to other languages of the Germanic family.