Old Saxon

Old Saxon, also known as Old Low German, is the earliest recorded form of Low German,^[1] documented from the 8th century until the 12th century, when it evolved into Middle Low German. It was spoken on the north-west coast of Germany and in Denmark by Saxon peoples. It is close enough to Old Anglo-Frisian (Old Frisian, Old English) that it partially participates in the Ingvaeonic nasal spirant law; it is also closely related to Old Low Franconian ("Old Dutch"). It is separated from Old High German by the High German consonant shift.

Only a few texts survive, predominantly in baptismal vows the Saxons were required to perform at the behest of Charlemagne. The only literary text preserved is Heliand.

• Heliand
• Genesis fragment^[2]
• Trierer Blutsegen
• Wurmsegen
• Spurihalz
• Old Saxon baptismal vow
• Psalms commentary
• Penitentiary
• Beda homily
• Credo
• Essener Heberegister

References

1. ^ Old Saxon language at Encyclopædia Britannica
2. ^ On the basis of the edition by Burkhard Taeger, Max Niemeyer Verlag, Tübingen 1996 (10. Auflage) prepared by Jost Gippert, Frankfurt, 11.11.2003; TITUS version by Jost Gippert, Frankfurt a/M, 11.11.2003