----- Original Message -----
From: <keth@...>

> I agree with you that Old Norse should be left alone,
> since it is a "historic" language, and as such cannot
> change - and that is a definition, really.
>
> I have noted, though, that some people have been working
> on the ancient Gothic language, and invented a lot of words
> for it, so that the thus "ameliorated" language, may be used for
> various toy purposes. (e.g. historical re-enactors -- or
> maybe even 21st century "Goths" - with black garments,
> sharp teeth and the works)
>
> The same thing also seems to be happening to Old Norse,
> where various "ritualistic" groups use it at mass rallys.
> (shudder)

The definition of 'Historic' may be useful only if it is not being used in
the present.

What you have described are attempts by some to resurrect 'dead' languages
and use them in a modern context. If they are able to do this, then it no
longer becomes a dead language, but a recreation or a reintroduction. This
has precedent a dozen times over in history, so can't be 'dismissed'.

Admittedly, the level of linguistic competance by those who attempt the
ressurrection may be suspect, but language is defined by the user, the
Lowest Common Denominator, within the culture and not by the Language
Police. Aiight?

If reintroduction of a language were forbidden or impossible, then Israel
would never have been able to reinvent Hebrewa and the Square Hebrew scipt.
Originally the was exclusively meant for the Torah and private Rabbinical
documents. The language does not have thousands of modern concepts in it
that required the invention of new words. In 1947 they were adopted as the
national language and script for everything in Israel. Not only did they
reinvent it's use, they also reinvented the script itself, by adding
notation for extra vowels and consonants. If your going to complain about
one, then complain about the other.

Lastly, many on this list belong to ON "ritualistic" groups so I'd be
careful about offending them. They range from devoutly spiritual elderly
women with PHDs in chemistry to raging teenage neo-nazi skin heads. Lumping
them together is.....ignorant.

-Laz