Definition

Noun: - The extinct North Germanic language: A historical Germanic language spoken by the inhabitants of Scandinavia and their overseas settlements from approximately the 7th century to the 14th century. It is the ancestor of the modern Scandinavian languages (Icelandic, Faroese, Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish).

Usage

• As a proper noun referring to the language: Used to identify the medieval language of the Vikings and the source of Old Icelandic literature.
  • Scholars study Old Norse to read the sagas and Eddas.
  • Many English words, such as "sky" and "egg," are borrowed from Old Norse.

Advanced Usage

• In linguistic classification: Used to specify the earlier form of a North Germanic language.
  • The phonology of Old Norse differed significantly from that of Proto-Germanic.
• In historical context: Refers to the language as used in specific regions or periods.
  • The Old Norse spoken in Greenland showed some unique developments.

Variants and Related Words

• Old Icelandic: Often used synonymously with Old Norse, particularly for the literary language preserved in medieval Icelandic manuscripts. It is considered a western dialect of Old Norse.
  • The Prose Edda is a key text written in Old Icelandic.
• Old Norwegian: Refers to the western dialect of Old Norse spoken in medieval Norway.
• Proto-Norse: The earlier, reconstructed ancestor language from which Old Norse evolved.

Synonyms

• Norse: A more general term that can refer to the people, culture, or language, but is often used interchangeably with Old Norse in a linguistic context.
  • He is an expert in Norse mythology and language.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Old Norse literature: The body of written works, including sagas, poetry (Eddic and Skaldic), and laws, composed in this language.
  • The study of Old Norse literature provides insight into Viking Age society.
• Old Norse grammar: The set of structural rules governing the language, including its complex system of cases and verb conjugations.

Noun

1. the extinct Germanic language of medieval Scandinavia and Iceland from about to 700 to 1350