Darius Ivoška

History of Lithuanian and Old Prussian Names in the Documents of the German Order

Introduction

History of lithuanian and old prussian names in the documents of the german order. Explore the history of Lithuanian & Old Prussian names found in German Order documents. This article uses archival sources & linguistic analysis to study Baltic onomasticon & etymology of extinct languages.

Abstract

This article explores the role of authentic archival legal, administrative, and diplomatic documents from the Middle Ages and later periods in researching Old Prussian and Lithuanian historical names. It aims to highlight the critical role of German Order documents in preserving the old Baltic onomasticon, focusing on examples from the Prussian and Lithuanian naming systems. The article employs critical comparative analysis of historical documents, name reconstruction methods, and graphemic-morphemic analysis, which reveal that authentic archival documents serve as the primary and most reliable sources of empirical material, while historiographic works are essential for verifying the collected data. The topic is crucial for scholars of both linguistics and history research fields, and is broadly discussed in numerous scientific works. A detailed examination of two Old Prussian and Lithuanian historical personal names illustrates not only the depth of specific name studies but also the impact of synchronic and diachronic analysis on research outcomes. This article also underscores the continuity of research into the Old Prussian and Lithuanian historical onomasticon, leveraging peripheral contextual data to support hypotheses in challenging nomenclature cases. It emphasizes the need for further investigation into historical onomastics, particularly of extinct languages, through the discovery of new sources of empirical material. In this way, the knowledge about the Old Prussian nomenclature is refined, especially when trying to identify the formation of Old Prussian personal names, and on the basis of this, to determine the etymology. Precisely determining the etymology of the names of a extinct language is an essential factor in assessing not only the origin of the name, but also the possible impact of the use of foreign languages on it.

Review

The article "History of Lithuanian and Old Prussian Names in the Documents of the German Order" presents a compelling case for the indispensable role of authentic archival documents in the study of historical onomastics. It positions the extensive records of the German Order as a crucial repository for the preservation of the Old Baltic onomasticon, particularly focusing on Lithuanian and Old Prussian naming systems. This interdisciplinary contribution is highly relevant for both historical and linguistic research, addressing a significant gap in the understanding of naming conventions from the Middle Ages and subsequent periods. The abstract clearly articulates the article's aim to underscore the unique value of these primary sources, setting the stage for a rigorous examination of an often-challenging subject. The methodology described is robust and well-suited to the complex nature of reconstructing historical names from extinct languages. The authors employ a combination of critical comparative analysis, name reconstruction methods, and graphemic-morphemic analysis, affirming the primacy of authentic archival documents as empirical material, while wisely using historiographic works for data verification. The article’s strength lies in its practical application, as demonstrated by the detailed examination of two specific Old Prussian and Lithuanian personal names. These case studies promise to illustrate not only the depth achievable in specific name studies but also the transformative impact of synchronic and diachronic analyses. Furthermore, the abstract highlights the innovative use of peripheral contextual data to substantiate hypotheses, a particularly valuable approach in situations where direct evidence is scarce. Overall, this article promises to be a significant contribution to the fields of historical linguistics and history. By refining knowledge about Old Prussian nomenclature and detailing the formation and etymology of names from an extinct language, it offers crucial insights into cultural exchange and linguistic evolution. The emphasis on precisely determining the etymology of these names is paramount, as it allows for a nuanced assessment of their origins and the potential influence of foreign languages, thereby enriching our understanding of historical sociolinguistics. The call for continuous research and the discovery of new empirical sources underscores the ongoing importance of this work, framing it as a foundational step for future investigations into the rich and complex tapestry of Old Baltic onomastics. This article appears to be an essential read for scholars dedicated to preserving and interpreting linguistic heritage.

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