Chapter 1: Introduction to Old English
This chapter provides an overview of the history and significance of Old English, the language spoken in England from the 5th to the 12th centuries. It discusses the sources of Old English, its dialects, and its relationship to other Germanic languages.
Example: The poem "Beowulf" is an epic poem written in Old English. It tells the story of a Geatish warrior who travels to Denmark to help King Hrothgar fight a monstrous creature called Grendel.
Chapter 2: Old English Alphabet and Phonology
This chapter introduces the Old English alphabet and explains the pronunciation of its letters. It also discusses the distinctive sound system of Old English, which includes many sounds that are not found in Modern English.
Example: The letter "þ" (thorn) represents the unvoiced dental fricative sound, as in the word "þæt" (that).
Chapter 3: Old English Morphology
This chapter examines the grammatical structure of Old English, including its system of declensions, conjugations, and derivations. It explains how Old English words are formed and how they change form to indicate their grammatical function.
Example: The noun "steorra" (star) can take different forms depending on its case: "steorra" (nominative), "steorran" (accusative), "steorres" (genitive), "steorre" (dative), and "steorr" (vocative).
Chapter 4: Old English Syntax
This chapter explores the rules for word order and sentence structure in Old English. It explains the different ways in which Old English sentences can be constructed and how the meaning of a sentence can be affected by its syntax.
Example: The sentence "Se cyning lufode his folc" (The king loved his people) has a subject-verb-object word order, which is typical of Old English sentences.
Chapter 5: Old English Vocabulary
This chapter provides a comprehensive vocabulary of Old English words, along with their meanings and examples of their usage. It includes words from all areas of life, including everyday objects, animals, occupations, and abstract concepts.
Example: The word "mete" (meat) has a cognate in Modern English, but it also has a broader meaning in Old English, referring to any type of food.
Chapter 6: Old English Literature
This chapter examines the major works of Old English literature, including epic poems, religious texts, and historical chronicles. It discusses the themes, style, and historical significance of these works.
Example: The "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" is a collection of historical records written in Old English. It provides a valuable glimpse into the events and people of Anglo-Saxon England.
