Question

What did the anglo saxons contribute to the oed

Answer 1

The Anglo-Saxons greatly influenced the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) through contributions of Old English language and literature, including riddles and word play. Works like Beowulf highlight the rich linguistic heritage that fed into the OED, and Anglo-Saxon culture also impacted decorative arts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Anglo-Saxons contributed a great deal to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) through their linguistic heritage evident in the English language. Anglo-Saxon England, existing from around the 5th to the 11th centuries CE, left behind a rich tapestry of literature and language, encapsulated in works like the epic poem Beowulf. Their literature was prolific, with many works written in Old English and in Latin. Notably, the Anglo-Saxons were also fond of riddles and word play, which surely influenced the development and complexity of English vocabulary.

Indeed, Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), was the predecessor to Middle English and subsequently Modern English. Many English words have roots tracing back to this period, enriching the OED with terms from the Germanic peoples who settled in Britain. The absorption of the Anglo-Saxon language into the English lexicon was paramount after the Roman withdrawal from Britain, setting the foundation for the modern English vocabulary and its subsequent scholarly documentation in the OED.

In addition to language, the Anglo-Saxons were known for their decorative metalwork and artistry, influencing cultural expressions that persisted even after the Norman Conquest in 1066 CE.

Answer 2

Anglo-saxons were converted into Christians. This led to the introduction of writing extensive texts in the Roman alphabet on parchment papers. All documents in Old English that survived were mediated through the Church. Old english was then given as a name to the earliest recorded stage of the English language.