Hello, my name is David Bahler, and i have used this course as an
introduction to the Old Norse Language (Although i have since moved to the
more comprehensive resources available at the University of Texas' website
UTEXAS.EDU which by the way contains an EXCELLENT pronounciation guide and
description of sounding and syllable rules.)
I have been working on a story for some time, it is in a world based on the
world of Norse Mythology. The languages spoken by the northern people of the
world in my story will be several dialects and variations of Old Norse and
perhaps Old English.
I have run into a problem, however, in learning the language. The language
is dead, and as such has no native speakers (Although i realise modern
Icelandiic very simmilar, it is pronounced much differently than the old
language and is therefore of little use for learning the sound of the
language.) Without listening to the language, it is much harder to learn
vocabulary. I learn what i can from the sagas and such literature but this
is much slower than what can be achieved through conversation, even if not
vocal.
What i would truly like, though i do not posses the time or knowlege to make
it possible, would be the creation of some sort of Old Norse forum or
discussion board involving a large number of active members, such as those
active on this mailing list, where there could be achieved actual
conversation in the language at multiple skill levels. This would be
horribly impractical on a mailing list as it would clutter your inbox with
rapid speed. For those of us who would truly like to achieve a very deep
knowlege of, even intimacy with, the language this would be a truly
invaluable resource. i would offer what assistance i might in the creation
of such a forum if there are those with the interest and knowlege to create
it.
Until what time this may be done, i must learn slowly through translation.
Also, I own the Zoega Dictionary, but would like to know if there is a
comprehensive dictionary that has an English to Old Norse ordering, as the
Zoega dictionary contains only Old Norse to english. That is sufficient for
now for translations, but is inadequate forfinding new words and creating
original Norse works (I create my own Drotkv�tt verses and am begining to
write music in the "viking" style from what little evidence of such there
is.)
well that is all (for Now) i sincerely hope that perhaps my idea may someday
become a reality.
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