The edited volume brings together 22 articles on current topics in Indo-European studies, medieval studies, gloss research, syntax, word formation, lexicography, onomastics, language contact and loanword research. It also includes new editions of historical linguistic monuments.
The 22 contributions in this anthology deal with current topics in Indo-European studies, Old Germanic studies/mediaeval studies, onomastics, lexicography, syntax, semantics and word formation, language contact and loanword research.
One essay deals in detail with the linguistic development of Old High German (gi)lîhhêt “I like it, I am pleased” and its possible continuations up to the present day German dialects. Another contribution shows that the construction of Greek ποιέω (poiéō) “to do, to make” in connection with a noun denoting a specific period of time is a calque of the corresponding construction in Egyptian. Hittite relative clauses that follow an independent main clause are also examined; they are more common than previously assumed. Another essay demonstrates that the continuant of the suffix Proto-Indo-European *-ila- in instrument names and in nomina agentis exhibits archaic and innovative features. The word family of Proto-Luwian *pīha- “luminosity, brilliance, shine”, which is continued in Anatolian theonyms, is examined in detail. Another contribution deals with two goddess names. The analysis of Vedic apsarás- as “water maiden” can contribute to the etymology of the name of the Greek goddess Ἀφροδίτη (Aphrodítē), although both goddesses have undergone independent developments and influences in their respective traditions. Two further essays also deal with onomastics: a new etymological explanation is offered for Siegfriedʼs sword Balmunc, which plausibly derives from Middle High German balme/palme “hand, fist” and not, as is usually the case, from Middle High German balme “overhanging rock, rock cave”. New Sidetic inscriptions have brought extensive onomastic material to light. In addition to the Indo-European basis, there are similarities with name formation in Carian and Lycian. The Sidetic names not only provide information about their bearers and their location in space and time, but also reveal contacts in multilingual societies. A contribution to Old Lithuanian is devoted to verbs of the type gùrkštelėti, which express semelfactive, momentative, or diminutive actions and processes. Another contribution meticulously explains an Old Avestan verbal form. A large international research project is devoted to Bible translations in the Caucasus region, which differ considerably from those of the Gothic Bible and in some cases correspond to the oldest Syrian testimony. One article examines the semantics of the Breton words ard, arz and skiant from the semantic field of ‘art’, taking into account their Latin and French precursors. With the help of diachronic analysis, convergent and divergent developments can be identified. Plausible, convincing etymologies are developed for Gothic fitan* “to suffer birth pangs” and Middle High German meinel, which is attested twice in Tannhäuserʼs work. New insights are provided by a contribution on the feather and stylus glosses in the manuscript Leipzig, UB Rep. II. 6, which are simultaneously edited and explained. Furthermore, this volume contains the edition of a late medieval songbook song as well as a new edition of the Old Saxon Heliand fragments from Prague and Leipzig, whose linguistic peculiarities are described.
An important contribution to Arthurian epic poetry is made by a mediaevalist essay describing new features of the Gawein figure in Heinrich von dem Türlinʼs Diu Crône. Using a discursive-pragmatic approach, the Old High German particle na in Notker is examined. This shows that na not only occurs as an interrogative particle, but that other functions and uses can also be demonstrated. New findings and insights are provided by a research project dealing with un-prefixed adjectives without a base. Another essay provides insights into the practice of early modern printmaking using illustrations of Ovidʼs Metamorphoses as an example. With this volume, which also reflects the breadth of Rosemarie Lührʼs scholarly oeuvre, the authors and editors honour her tireless work for a modern-oriented and future-focused Indo-European studies, which, with its contributions, is also beneficial to other academic disciplines and can provide further impetus.
Preface