An Introduction To Middle High German

This is the most comprehensive self-contained treatment of Middle High German available in English. It covers the language, literature, history, and culture of German in the period from 1050 to 1350 and is designed for entry-level readers, advanced study, teaching, and reference. The book includes a large sample of texts, not only from Classical works such as Erec, the Nibelungenlied, Parzival, and Tristan, but also from mystical writing, chronicles, and legal documents. The selection represents all major dialects and the full time span of the period. 0The introduction defines Middle High German linguistically, geographically, and chronologically. Chapter 2 then provides a detailed exploration of the grammar, covering sounds and spelling, inflectional morphology, syntax, and lexis. Chapter 3 deals with versification, discussing metre, rhyme, lines of verse in context, and verse forms, and includes practical tips for scansion. Chapter 4 offers an account of the political and social structures of Medieval Germany and a survey of the principal types of texts that originated in the period. The final chapter of the book comprises over forty texts, each placed in context and provided with explanatory footnotes. The first two texts, to be taken together with the introductory grammar sections, are aimed at newcomers. A glossary provides full coverage of the vocabulary appearing in the texts and throughout the book.

M. O'C. Walshe, has now completely rewritten the work to meet the needs of the student whose prime concern is with the reading of Middle High German literature rather than with the language as such. Nevertheless the grammatical introduction, though recast, is still quite extensive, in order to show the often subtle and confusing differences from modern German.

An Introduction to Middle High German is a dedicated student edition of The Oxford Guide to Middle High German (Jones & Jones; OUP, 2019) designed for taught courses and self-study. It offers a detailed account of the language and literature of German in the period 1050-1350, including an introductory-level grammar and a wide selection of texts with extensive explanatory material. Following an initial chapter that defines Middle High German linguistically, geographically, and chronologically, the grammar and lexis chapters offer a self-contained introduction to the language. The user-friendly and accessible grammatical descriptions and explanations will allow entry-level students to gain sufficient knowledge of the language to read and understand a range of Middle High German texts. Chapter 4 comprises thirty textual passages, each placed in context and with extensive explanatory footnotes to facilitate their use in teaching and class discussion. The volume also offers two essential glossaries, the first covering linguistic terms, and the second offering definitions of the Middle High German vocabulary that appears throughout the book.

No detailed description available for "An Introduction to Middle Dutch".

FROM THE PREFACE. THE present book has been written in the hope that it will serve as an elementary introduction to the larger German works on the subject from which I have appropriated whatever seemed necessary for the purpose. In the grammar much aid has been derived from Paul's Mittelhochdeutsche Grammatik, 2nd edit. Halle, 1884, and Weinhold's Mittelhochdeutsche Grammatik, 2nd edit. Paderborn, 1883. The former work, besides containing by far the most complete syntax, is also the only Middle High-German grammar which is based on the present state of German philology. Those who wish to acquire a sound historical knowledge of the modern phase of the language ought to possess Professor Brandt's Grammar of the German Language, published by Putnam's Sons, New York and London, 1884. It may not be out of place to state here also that an Old High-German Primer is already in the hands of the printers, which will help to throw much light upon many points of Middle High-German grammar that could not be touched upon in the present book. I believe that the day is not very far distant when English students will take a much more lively interest in the study of their own and the other Germanic languages (especially German and Old Norse) than has hitherto been the case. And if this little book should contribute anything towards furthering the cause, it will amply have fulfilled its purpose.