On Tuesday 18 February 2003 07:46 am, "konrad_oddsson wrote:

> 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.
>
> Regards,
> Konrad.

The German 'Auch'. Now where's my prize? ;-)
--
STH
Hatton's Law: There is only One inviolable Law.