This book, the first grammar of the Old Saxon language written in English, is self-contained with its inclusion of selected readings from the Heliand epic and appropriate comparative readings from two interference dialects, Old High German and Old English. It introduces the reader, regardless of degree of linguistic training, to the basic structure of a Germanic dialect. As a diachronic synchrony (variation and change within the Old Saxon time frame), The Old Saxon Language is largely dictated by cognitive strategies needed to unravel semantically a sentence or larger piece of discourse. A semantic focus pervades the entire grammar, which proceeds in the best Berkeley tradition of prompting the student to mingle intellectually with researching faculty. Thus, many of the most sophisticated research problems surrounding the study of Old Saxon are addressed.
"Up to now students of Old Saxon have been compelled to resort to rather obsolete grammars or works that could hardly be described as pedagogically adequate. The first rate study of the language that Professor Irmengard Rauch is offering us combines all the qualities one would expect from a carefully elaborated scientifically impeccable introduction to all the aspects of the Old Saxon linguistic and literary heritage. It is hard to decide what deserves most praise in this truly excellent work: the outstanding methodology, the perceptive linguistic comments or the fine presentation of materials." (Edgar C. Polomé, University of Texas at Austin)
"In this consummately wrought chrestomathy, Rauch blends her unrivalled linguistic expertise with plentiful pedagogical sophistication. Hers is easily the best introduction to Old Saxon, a remote, if fascinating relative of modern English." (Thomas A. Sebok, Indiana University)
"Old Saxon grammar used not to be like this. Here the historical perspective is used more as an aid to synchronic understanding through concepts like discourse analysis, valency, phrase structure and interference. A challenging approach for beginners and old hands alike." (Richard d'Alquen, University of Alberta)
"...what the author presents is a very readable outstanding survey of an Old Germanic dialect, taking the latest developments in linguistic theory into consideration. Such an effort deserves high praise¿" (The Journal of Indo-European Studies)
"Her work is an excellent tool to teach Old Saxon." (Colette van Kerckvoorde, Germanic Notes and Reviews)
"In this consummately wrought chrestomathy, Rauch blends her unrivalled linguistic expertise with plentiful pedagogical sophistication. Hers is easily the best introduction to Old Saxon, a remote, if fascinating relative of modern English." (Thomas A. Sebok, Indiana University)
"Old Saxon grammar used not to be like this. Here the historical perspective is used more as an aid to synchronic understanding through concepts like discourse analysis, valency, phrase structure and interference. A challenging approach for beginners and old hands alike." (Richard d'Alquen, University of Alberta)
"...what the author presents is a very readable outstanding survey of an Old Germanic dialect, taking the latest developments in linguistic theory into consideration. Such an effort deserves high praise¿" (The Journal of Indo-European Studies)
"Her work is an excellent tool to teach Old Saxon." (Colette van Kerckvoorde, Germanic Notes and Reviews)