TOEBI: Teachers of Old English in Britain and Ireland |
Information: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Old English?
In the crudest terms, Old English is the language spoken and written in England between ca. 450 and 1100.
What is the difference between Old English and Anglo-Saxon?
There is no difference; they are the same. 'Anglo-Saxon' is a more old-fashioned term for Old English.
Where can I learn Old English?
Most of the larger universities in Britain and Ireland offer language courses on which Old English is taught. But it is also possible to learn Old English without the help of a professional. See our page on Language.
How difficult to learn is Old English?
To the non-expert, Old English looks almost like a foreign language: both the structure and the vocabulary of the language are sufficiently different from those of modern English to make a text look entirely unfamiliar. But with the help of some good course materials, it is possible to acquire a reading knowledge of Old English fairly quickly. See our page on Language.
How much do we know about Old English?
About some aspects we know quite a bit: the standard grammatical rules, the various literary genres, general rules of pronunciation, spelling practices, and the historical periods have all been the subject of much research. But there are also many areas where less is clear, for example the regional dialects of Old English, colloquial (everyday) Old English, and early Old English.
How can I find out whether a modern English word is derived from Old English?
Try looking it up in an English dictionary which gives etymological information, for instance the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, or Chambers Concise Dictionary. Thus, modern English 'sorry' is derived from OE sarig, 'wounded'.
How can I find out whether a place-name goes back to Anglo-Saxon times?
Try A. D. Mills, A Dictionary of British Place-Names (Oxford, 2003). Many place-names in England, and some in Scotland and Wales are indeed derived from Old English.
Whom can I contact if I have questions regarding Old English?
Please see our page on Contacts and Addresses.
