Social Ties and Negotiation of Lexical Norms in Old English: The vocabularies of vices

Timofeeva, O. and Wallis, C. 2024. Social Ties and Negotiation of Lexical Norms in Old English: The vocabularies of vices. Lexis: Journal of English Lexicology. Special issue 3. https://doi.org/10.4000/12izd

TitleSocial Ties and Negotiation of Lexical Norms in Old English: The vocabularies of vices
TypeJournal article
AuthorsTimofeeva, O. and Wallis, C.
Abstract

This paper aims to document the coinage and diffusion of sin-lexemes and to evaluate the extent of their regional, chronological, and social reach. It starts by tracing the genesis of these concepts and lexemes in Latin and Old English texts, with a particular focus on their usage during the Benedictine reform in the second half of the tenth century. Special attention is given to the works of Ælfric of Eynsham (c.950–c.1010) and Archbishop Wulfstan (d.1023), who are known to have collaborated on texts for religious instruction. In addition, the paper examines evidence from anonymous treatises such as the Capitula Theodulfi (c.800, translated into English around the time of Ælfric and Wulfstan), as well as the works of Byrhtferth of Ramsey (c.970–c.1020) and penitential literature. Despite the strong link between Ælfric and Wulfstan, comparisons with other contemporary authors, and especially penitentials, reveal that Ælfrician vocabulary did not achieve widespread adoption. This lack of uniformity may have contributed to the limited survival of Old English sin-lexemes into the Middle English period.

JournalLexis: Journal of English Lexicology
Journal citationSpecial issue 3
ISSN1951-6215
Year2024
PublisherOpenEdition Journals
Publisher's version
License
CC BY-SA 4.0
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4000/12izd
Web address (URL)https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/publications/c38f6c6f-d3a6-4c31-83ff-71738c9c6990
Publication dates
Published17 Oct 2024

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