What is it about?
More and more research is being done on how people in the past communicated in English. This helps us understand how language was used in different situations. Some recent studies looked at how people in Old English times gave commands and found that being polite wasn't very important. This study does something similar but focuses on how people in Old Saxon and Old High German gave commands, which hasn't been studied much before. I looked at four different examples and our initial data suggests that, just like in Old English, being polite might not have been a big deal in these languages either.
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Why is it important?
This study on commands and requests in Old Saxon and Old High German is important because it sheds light on how people in the past communicated and gave instructions. By exploring these historical language patterns, we can gain a deeper understanding of cultural and linguistic norms in these ancient societies. This research helps us connect with our linguistic heritage and provides valuable insights into the evolution of politeness and communication strategies over time, which can be useful for linguists, historians, and anyone interested in the history of language and human interaction."
Perspectives
As the researcher behind this study, I am personally passionate about uncovering the nuances of language usage in history. This study allowed me to delve into the fascinating world of Old Saxon and Old High German, exploring how people in these ancient societies conveyed commands and requests. It was a journey of discovery that deepened my appreciation for the richness of linguistic diversity across different time periods. I hope that by sharing these findings, I can inspire others to explore and appreciate the intricate tapestry of language evolution. Moreover, I believe that understanding our linguistic past can provide valuable insights into our present-day communication patterns, fostering a greater appreciation for the role of language in shaping societies.
Dr. Valentina Concu
Universidad del Norte
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: “Ih gebiude dir, wurm!”, Journal of Historical Pragmatics, November 2023, John Benjamins,
DOI: 10.1075/jhp.20012.con.
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