The Oxford Gothic Grammar

D. Gary Miller

The most comprehensive Gothic grammar since the 1800s
Explores all major topics in Gothic grammar
The only grammar in English to discuss the recently discovered Bologna fragment and Crimean graffiti
Contains the most extensive discussion of Gothic syntax of any existing grammar

The Oxford Gothic Grammar

D. Gary Miller

Description

This volume provides a comprehensive reference grammar of Gothic, the earliest attested language of the Germanic family (apart from runic inscriptions), dating to the fourth century. The bulk of the extant Gothic corpus is a translation of the Bible, of which only a portion remains, and which has been the focus of most previous works. This book is the first in English to also draw on the recently discovered Bologna fragment and Crimean graffiti, original Gothic texts that provide more insights into the language. Following an overview of the history of the Goths and the origin of the Gothic language, Gary Miller explores all the major topics in Gothic grammar, beginning with the alphabet and phonology, and proceeding through subjects such as case functions, prepositions and particles, compounding, derivation, and verbal and sentential syntax. He also presents a selection of Gothic texts with notes and vocabulary, and ends with a chapter on linearization, including an overview of Gothic in its Germanic context. The Oxford Gothic Grammar will be an invaluable reference for all Indo-Europeanists, Germanic scholars, and historical linguists, from advanced undergraduate level upwards.

The Oxford Gothic Grammar

D. Gary Miller

Preface
Acknowledgments
Dating and other conventions
Abbreviations
1:The Goths and Gothic
2:Alphabet and phonology
3:The nominal system
4:Case functions
5:The verbal system
6:P-words
7:Compounding
8:Nominal derivation
9:Verbal and sentential syntax
10:Gothic texts
11:Linearization and typology
Appendix: supplementary information
References
Index

The Oxford Gothic Grammar

D. Gary Miller

Author Information

D. Gary Miller, Professor Emeritus of Linguistics and the Classics, Universities of Florida and Colorado, Boulder

D. Gary Miller is Professor Emeritus of Linguistics and the Classics at the Universities of Florida and Colorado, Boulder. His previous books with OUP include Nonfinite Structures in Theory and Change (2002), Latin Suffixal Derivatives in English (2005), Language Change and Linguistic Theory (2 vols; 2010), External Influences on English: From Beginnings to the Renaissance (2012), and English Lexicogenesis (2014).

The Oxford Gothic Grammar

D. Gary Miller

Reviews and Awards

"D. Gary Miller's The Oxford Gothic Grammar is an impressive volume which fills a void in Gothic studies. Not limiting itself to just morphological paradigms, the 692-page beautifully published opus dives headfirst into encompassing every aspect of Gothic studies, far exceeding the traditional grammars" - Jean-François R. Mondon, Linguist List

"This comprehensive, authoritative, and thoroughly up-to-date volume is without equal. I wish I had such a resource when I was learning Gothic (and teaching it)." - Wayne Harbert, Cornell University

"Not since the grammar of von der Gabelentz and Löbe of the first half of the 19th century has there been such a comprehensive account of the Gothic language. Of particular value are the emphasis on word-formation and syntax, and the generous bibliography." - Patrick Stiles, University College London

"This is massive and comprehensive. The patience and knowledge (in addition to first-rate organization of notes and records) is overwhelming: in the best neophilological tradition, with linguistic acumen. I'm truly impressed. Everything is there and it must be the definitive summation of what can be known about Gothic (and what will remain a mystery/question mark). Magisterial." - Dieter Wanner, Ohio State University