I'm a bit confused. Is not this discussion group centered
around the norse course found at www.hi.si/~haukurth/norse?
If this is indeed the case, then why is it that nearly all the
discussion generated on the norse_course discussion group is so clearly
authored by people with an understanding WELL beyond the parameters
established within the course?
My meaning is quite obvious to anyone actually involved in the course.
I have just finished the first set of six lessons and can honestly state
myself to be an abject beginner. By now, I have a fine introduction to a
grand total of 40 strong, masculine nouns, 24 adjectives (minus definite
article use), 40 verbs (wow!), and a handful of other little niceties that
make communication so enjoyable. Speaking as one from the Estados Unidos
(the great and powerful), where we speak one language only (and manage to
flub that one up fairly nicely), I feel that the little Old Norse I have,
thus far, completed to be an accomplishment (autographs purchased
separately). With this in mind, how many out there think I'm in a position
to appreciate the latest controversy surrounding hooked o's and/or a's -or-
whether those "west of the keel" have, or ever have had, dealings with those
eastward that may have, once, been involved with those a bit farther east,
towards, present-day, Finland that were, or are, in some way related to
native, FAR-NORTH speakers within that present area ...
ya'all get the idea?
After much additional study, it is entirely possible that I might find
these kinds of things interesting - but - this is not the point. Can we
appreciate the fact that the vast majority of discussion is well beyond what
an abject beginner is in a position to understand? In addition, do we not
also accept that the norse course at www.hi.si/~haukurth/norse is ideally
suited to abject beginners? Finally, is not the discussion group centered
around the norse course at www.hi.si/~haukurth/norse? ...
ya'all get the idea?
As an abject beginner, I can say that the present discussion seems very
sophisticated, scholarly, and completely intimidating. Tell me, what am I
now in a position to add to the discussion that doesn't seem utterly
ridiculous? With this in mind, please consider the following comment by Teja
Johnson-Lewis with the reply by Arlie Stephens who declares himself to be a
moderator:
**************************************************************************
On Mon, Mar 31, 2003 at 02:12:11PM -0800, Teja Johnson-Lewis wrote:
>
> Hi ya, everybody in the norse course groups!
>
> Now, I'm not going to sit here and delete messages that I don't
> understand. All this stuff is very brilliant and all, BUT I just
> don't get it. I think all the people like me are in hiding, scared
> to feel silly, but then again...what do you think I am??
Certainly much of the material that's been posted recently is not
suitable for beginners. The only solution to that, however, would
be for beginners to do more posting.
**************************************************************************
Sorry Teja, Arlie says that you should just "get over it". Sorry Arlie,
but I must say that your solution only seems thoughtless.
Then, when Teja attempts to steer things in a direction more to her
liking:
**************************************************************************
> All you people like Erin (not trying to pick on you!) who are lurking,
> think of anything to say. We have the linguists, but I'm more into
> mythology and the poems and stories. The language is cool, too, but
> it's just way over my head.
No. This is a _language_ list, not a mythology list. The mythology
is only relevant in a context of language translation.
Yes, I'm speaking as a moderator here.
> Consider all this, please.
>
> And now, I ask a question: my favorite character from the myths, Loki,
> poses a lot of questions.
[several questions snipped]
Postings responding to this will be refused by the moderators, unless
they are either in a Scandinavian language (whereupon they count as
language practice) or directly address sources and their translation.
**************************************************************************
What? Hogwash is a favored American phrase that comes to mind (since
it may, in fact, have Norse or, at least, Proto-Germanic - non-mythological
roots - I think I'm safe in using it within this context). You can wash the
mud off of your pig - but a pig it remains. I see that one is always able
to be "selective" when it suits them.
With this kind of exchange, I don't mind admitting I'm thoroughly
disheartened and not a little disgusted. Nor AM I Alone.
__________________________________________________________________________
And now, if I may indulge in Arlie's proposed solution, I actually have
a knuckle headed question/statement of my own (gasp!). As I have said, I
have recently finished the sixth lesson in the norse course at www.h - well
- you get it, and I've gone on to number seven. Unfortunately, there's
really not much to it beyond the grammar section. I've grown accustomed to
the wonderful reading and writing exercises and have found them to be
rewarding. Unfortunately, when I look elsewhere for so-called "easy reading"
material, I find it way beyond where I'm presently at. I'm familiar with
Latin and German GRADED readers which don't require one's eyes to be glued
to the glossary since they predominantly consist of words already contained
within ones limited vocabulary. My guess is that there probably isn't
something like this, for Old Norse, that might extend backwards to my
present skills (as discussed above). Does anyone have any ideas?
Also, I have written my own exercises - although I, of course, cannot
know how "correct" they are. Perhaps we beginners could consider posting
homespun exercises for the group's consideration (gulp!)? That is, if the
more advanced members didn't find it impossible to appreciate.
Raymond Jess Lewis (de los Estados Unidos)