2.1 Old English alphabet and runic writing

The Old English alphabet, derived from Latin, had unique letters like ash, eth, thorn, and wynn. These added nuance to pronunciation and writing. The alphabet reflected the language's distinct sounds, setting it apart from modern English.

Runic writing, using the futhorc alphabet, was prevalent in early Old English society. Runes were used for inscriptions on objects, names, and short messages. Understanding runic writing provides insight into early Anglo-Saxon culture and communication methods.

Old English Alphabet

Letters and sounds of Old English

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• Old English alphabet derived from Latin alphabet with additional letters, totaling 24 letters
• Unique letters in Old English alphabet:
  • Ash (æ) pronounced like "a" in "cat"
  • Eth (ð) pronounced like "th" in "then"
  • Thorn (þ) pronounced like "th" in "thin"
  • Wynn (ƿ) pronounced like "w" in "win"
• Other notable letters and sounds:
  • "c" pronounced as [k] or [tʃ] depending on following vowel (king, church)
  • "g" pronounced as [g], [j], or [ɣ] depending on position and surrounding letters (good, yet, night)
  • "sc" pronounced as [ʃ] like "sh" in "ship"

Old English vs modern English alphabets

• Similarities:
  • Both alphabets based on Latin alphabet
  • Most letters have similar or identical shapes and sounds (a, b, d, e, f)
• Differences:
  • Old English has additional letters: ash (æ), eth (ð), thorn (þ), and wynn (ƿ)
  • Some letter-sound correspondences changed over time, such as Old English "c" and "g" having different pronunciations depending on context
  • Modern English lost some sounds and letters present in Old English, with eth and thorn replaced by "th" and wynn replaced by "w"
  • Modern English introduced new letters not present in Old English (j, v)

Runic Writing

Interpretation of runic inscriptions

• Runic alphabet (futhorc) consists of 24 to 33 characters, varying by period and region
  • Each rune represents a sound and has a name (fehu for "f")
• Common runic inscriptions include personal names, object descriptions or dedications, and short phrases or messages
• Interpreting runic inscriptions involves:
  1. Identifying individual runes and their corresponding sounds
  2. Transcribing runes into Latin letters
  3. Translating Old English words into modern English

Historical context of runic writing

• Origins and development:
  • Derived from earlier Germanic runic systems (Elder Futhark)
  • Adapted to suit sounds of Old English
  • Used primarily from 5th to 11th centuries
• Purposes and contexts of use:
  • Inscriptions on objects like weapons, jewelry, and stones
  • Marking ownership or dedication
  • Magical or religious purposes (charms, amulets)
  • Less commonly used for extended texts or manuscripts
• Decline and replacement:
  • Gradually replaced by Latin alphabet with spread of Christianity
  • Continued use in some regions (Scandinavia) for longer periods
  • Survived in limited contexts (calendar staves) into early modern period