In a message dated 1/25/01 12:44:36 PM Pacific Standard Time,
selvarv@... writes:

<< Yes, it seems certain that the pronounciation has changed

>in many ways. But I am rather uncomfortable with the scholars'
>reconstruction of "correct" Old Norse pronounciation. I don't
>think Haukur and Óskar agree with me on this, but I'm all for
>students simply using Modern Icelandic pronounciation. This is
>the usual practice among academics >>

My objective is to sing and recite the Old Norse texts, and to pronounce them
as closely to the old pronunciation as I can reasonably come. For this
objective, the Modern Icelandic pronunciation is not helpful, because I can
be almost certain that most vowels sounded differently than the Old Norse. I
am very thankful for the theories of the old pronunciation, and not at all
shy about trying it. Also, it does not make me laugh at all. In fact, I am
more comfortable with the reconstructed pronunciation than with modern
Icelandic, because Old Norse seems to be more consistent with the alphabet
sounds that are used.

I am also interested in Old Saxon and Old High and Low German, and I try to
get as close to the old pronunciation as I can. The "mistakes" in the old
manuscripts give some clues of the sounds, because if two sounds are very
similar, it is easier to misspell the word that way.

We can certainly never prove or disprove without a doubt how something was
pronounced, and this is further complicated by regional differences,
especially with vowel sounds. For my part, I am willing to take the chance
and do my best, and so far my efforts have been appreciated by those who
heard me.

It may be harder for those who think they have an academic reputation to
uphold, and want to protect themselves against any cause for ridicule.

Greetings,
Birgit