Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “What” in Old Norse! In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this common question in the ancient language. We will focus primarily on the standard Old Norse dialect, while highlighting any regional variations if necessary. Whether you’re an Old Norse enthusiast, a historical researcher, or simply curious about the language, this guide will provide you with tips, examples, and a plethora of information. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Old Norse!
Table of Contents
Formal and Informal Ways to Say “What”
In Old Norse, there were both formal and informal ways to say “what.” This distinction was similar to the difference between “what” and “how” in modern English.
Formal:
1. Hvat – This is the most common and standard way to say “what” in Old Norse. It is used in formal settings, polite conversations, and when speaking to higher social ranks or people of authority. For example:
Án skella hann séré þeim sínu auga, hvat þat mundi vera.
Translation: He will not cast his own eye upon it, what that may be.
2. Hvat er þessi maðr? – This formal phrase is used to inquire about someone’s identity or occupation. It translates to “Who is this man?” or “What is this man?” For instance:
Hvat er þessi maðr? spurði Brynjólfr.
Translation: Brynjolf asked, “Who is this man?“
Informal:
1. Hvé – In informal situations or when addressing friends, family, or acquaintances, “hvá” was used instead of the formal “hvat.” For example:
Hél blóð-Freyr alla at sátta, frændi, hvè honum þætti upphafið,
Translation: All friendly gods embraced blood-Freyr’s offer and how they considered it the start of peace.
2. Skál – While not directly translating to “what,” “skál” was informally used in toasts to mean “cheers” or “what.” It became a common way to celebrate and raise a toast during feasts and gatherings of Old Norse communities. For instance:
Skál! kvað Þórr ok hlýddi góðum geðum.
Translation: “Cheers!” said Thor and listened with kind hearts.
Regional Variations
Despite Old Norse being a highly standardized language, it’s important to consider some variations in regional dialects. For instance, in the Icelandic dialect, “hvað” was commonly used as an alternative to “hvat.” However, this variation had both formal and informal connotations, similar to the standard “hvat” discussed earlier.
Tips for Pronunciation
Since Old Norse is an ancient language, its pronunciation can be quite different from modern Scandinavian languages. Here are some tips to help you pronounce these phrases correctly:
- Pay attention to vowel lengths: In Old Norse, vowel lengths were crucial for pronunciation. For example, “hvat” would have a long “a” sound, while “hvað” would have a short “a” sound.
- Focus on consonants: Some Old Norse consonants had unique pronunciations. “ð” is similar to the “th” sound in “that,” while “þ” is similar to the “th” sound in “thick.”
- Consult pronunciation resources: Utilize Old Norse pronunciation guides, dictionaries, or language experts to refine your pronunciation. Listening to spoken examples can be incredibly helpful.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Old Norse! We explored the formal and informal ways to express this question, highlighted regional variations, provided pronunciation tips, and offered numerous examples for your understanding. Remember, the spoken language may have differed slightly based on the time period and regional influences. So, practice, research, and immerse yourself in the intriguing world of Old Norse communication. Have fun discovering more about this ancient language!
