From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Old Saxon, also known as Old Low German, is the earliest recorded form of Low German,[1] documented from the 8th century until the 12th century, when it evolved into Middle Low German. It was spoken on the north-west coast of Germany and in Denmark by Saxon peoples. It is close enough to Old Anglo-Frisian (Old Frisian, Old English) that it partially participates in the Ingvaeonic nasal spirant law; it is also closely related to Old Low Franconian ("Old Dutch"). It is separated from Old High German by the High German consonant shift.
Only a few texts survive, predominantly in baptismal vows the Saxons were required to perform at the behest of Charlemagne. The only literary text preserved is Heliand.
- Heliand
- Genesis fragment[2]
- Trierer Blutsegen
- Wurmsegen
- Spurihalz
- Old Saxon baptismal vow
- Psalms commentary
- Penitentiary
- Beda homily
- Credo
- Essener Heberegister
[edit] References
- ^ Old Saxon language at Encyclopædia Britannica
- ^ On the basis of the edition by Burkhard Taeger, Max Niemeyer Verlag, Tübingen 1996 (10. Auflage) prepared by Jost Gippert, Frankfurt, 11.11.2003; TITUS version by Jost Gippert, Frankfurt a/M, 11.11.2003
