[gothic-l] Re: Germanic Migrations

[dirk at SMRA.CO.UK]

Hi, below are the answers given to me by Prof. Elert a Swedish
linguist about the problem of the origin of Germanic/Proto-Germanic.
(the numbered questions are from me, the answer/view below was given
by Prof. Elert).

> Dear Dr. Dirk Faltin,
My answwers to your questions:
>(1)  I would like to know if the the whole text is available in
English?
Answer: No.
>
(2) Can you clarify for me when, in your view, the settlement of
Germanic/Proto-Germanic people of  Scandinavia started?

My view is that the spread of the Germanic language took place in
1000-500 BC, most likely around 700 BC. I would not use the word
"settlement" . There is no reason to assume an invasion or massive
migration, rather a language shift.

(3) and possibly from which site?

It is generally assumed that there was a Germanic-speaking population
in parts of NW Germany aroudn 1000 BC. The hypothetic language shift
could be due to influence (and limited migration) fron this area into
Scandinavia. Other possibilities cannot be excluded. The Bronze Age
is
period of much commerce and other connections between tribal
societies
in Europe. There are linguistic traces of  early contacts between
Germanic and the Baltic languages.
Yours,
Claes-Christian Elert



As Elert is seen as leading expert on Scandinavian linguistics, I
thought his views should be interesting to others on the list. His
views are in line with recent linguistic research on Germanic
language
development by Juergen Udolph. Both Udolph and Elert are seen as
'cutting edge' on the subject.

Dirk



--- In gothic-l at egroups.com, MCLSSAA2 at f... wrote:
> --- In gothic-l at egroups.com, dirk at s... wrote:
> > ... Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia ...
> > One short question. If the first Germans came to this area say
> > Thuringia in 500 BC from Scandinavia as you seem to suggest, who
was
> > living there before this. The area was never settled by Celts.
Were
> > they the remnants of the earlier megalithic cultures?
>
> Likely speaking a non-Indo-European language, which perished
> unrecorded while the Middle East had had writing for over 1500
years.
> It is one of the greatest pities in linguistics that parchment
wasn't
> invented much sooner. Literacy needs bulk available writing
material,
> which meant:-
>   (1) The area being arid enough for clay tablets to survive, or
>   (2) The area being within sailing range of Egypt to import blank
> papyrus, plus having something to trade for it.
>   Central Europe is neither.
>   Until someone discovered how to make parchment from animal skin.


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