The hermeneutic style in tenth-century Anglo-Latin literature
Michael Lapidge
Some twenty years ago the late Professor Alistair Campbell observed that there were two broad stylistic traditions of Anglo-Latinity: one, which he called classical, was seen to have its principal proponent in Bede; other, hermeneutic, said Aldhelm. The following discussion is an attempt clarify Campbell's distinction by reference a variety tenth-century Anglo-Latin texts may be described as ‘hermeneutic’. By ‘hermeneutic’ I understand style whose most striking feature ostentatious parade unusual, often very arcane and apparently learned vocabulary. In Latin literature medieval period, this vocabulary three general sorts: (1) archaisms, words not use classical but exhumed authors from grammarians or Terence Plautus; (2) neologisms coinages; (3) loan-words. early period (before, say, 1100) common source loan-words Greek. This result universal prestige Greek enjoyed, particularly after Carolingian when few exceptional men seemed fundamental knowledge language. But sound always restricted privileged minority (principally because lack adequate widely circulated introductory primer); for majority authors, acquaintance with continuous came only through reciting Creed, Lord's Prayer occasionally psalter Greek, Greek–Latin glossaries. popular glossaries – those based ultimately on grammar Dositheus had originated bilingual phrase-books world Late Antiquity. first-hand disappeared, these inevitably carelessly copied, derived bear little resemblance their originals (ιχθυs. becomes iactis several glossaries, choose random example). Accordingly, has distinctive flavour, either bizarre orthography unpredictable denotation, usually readily identifiable. pages shall show how tenth century ornamented grecisms, part One point should mentioned, however: it customary among certain scholars insular describe unusual are found ‘Hisperic’. term employed. It ought refer strictly exceedingly obscure almost secretive language Hisperica Famina themselves, compositions abound grecisms characterized predictable kind neologism nouns terminating -men, -fer, -ger ; verbs -itare -icare adjectives -osus . Unfortunately, however, ‘Hisperic’ carries some connotation Ireland. themselves certainly composed Ireland; all displays not. Such nothing save sends modern reader his dictionary. would therefore urge more neutral hope excessively mannered many do Ireland , main indigenous development.
Anglo-Saxon England