What is the true origin of the most common word in every modern
Scandinavian language? What is the origin of the common conjuction
'ok'? - Það er spurningin (That is the question)
On the Stone at 'Eggjum' (650-800) in Norway, we see that this word
is spelled 'uk'. The inscriber could have spelled it 'ok', as O/Ó
was still in the alphabet and is used many times for other words in
the same inscription. On the other hand, on the Stone at Glavendrup
(900-925) in Denmark we see that this word is spelled 'auk'. Which
spelling most accurately represents the true origin of the word?
Here are some clues:
'Ok' could be derived from the verb 'auka', meaning to 'increase'.
If this is correct, then the phrase 'Jón ok Páll' (John and Paul)
would literally translate as 'John increase Paul'.
'Ok' could be derived from the verb 'oka', meaning to 'harness' or
to 'yoke'. The verb is derived from Proto-Norse *yuka. If this is
correct, then the phrase 'Jón ok Páll' (John and Paul) would
literally translate as 'John yoke Paul'.
In either case, the meaning is clear. Here is the question again:
which is the true origin of this most common word in any modern
Scandinavian language? Is it 'uk' or is it 'auk'?
- Það er spurningin (That is the question). Whoever answers this
this question wins the Norse grand linguistics prize. Please post
your answers and any information you can find about this online.