The present essay analyses some aspects of the chapter Nomina arborum of the bilingual Latin- Old English glossary of Ælfric of Eynsham, one of the most prolific authors in Anglo-Saxon England. The choice of this section of the glossary, so far not fully investigated, is based on an attempt to explain Ælfric’s rationale behind the compilation of this chapter, particularly: a) the inclusion of terms belonging to different semantic fields in an entry that suggests only a list of tree species; b) the strategy of listing the various terms following an associative line; c) the interpretation of an unusual gloss indicating the absence of a vernacular term for ‘cypress’. The typology of the entries chosen, widely used in literature in their literal or metaphorical value, and the way they are arranged reveal Ælfric’s pedagogical intent and his ability in harmonising knowledge.
Faraci, D. (2023). The Section Nomina arborum in Ælfric’s Glossary. In G.I. Dora Faraci (a cura di), When I use a word it means just what choose it to mean - neither more nor less. Studies in honour of Stefania Nuccorini (pp. 81-108). Roma : Roma Tre-Press.
The Section Nomina arborum in Ælfric’s Glossary
Dora Faraci
2023-01-01
Abstract
The present essay analyses some aspects of the chapter Nomina arborum of the bilingual Latin- Old English glossary of Ælfric of Eynsham, one of the most prolific authors in Anglo-Saxon England. The choice of this section of the glossary, so far not fully investigated, is based on an attempt to explain Ælfric’s rationale behind the compilation of this chapter, particularly: a) the inclusion of terms belonging to different semantic fields in an entry that suggests only a list of tree species; b) the strategy of listing the various terms following an associative line; c) the interpretation of an unusual gloss indicating the absence of a vernacular term for ‘cypress’. The typology of the entries chosen, widely used in literature in their literal or metaphorical value, and the way they are arranged reveal Ælfric’s pedagogical intent and his ability in harmonising knowledge.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
