InglaisGemiehitused

InglaisGemiehitused, also known as English Gemmings, is a historical practice of inscribing English words or phrases into the runes of Old Norse inscriptions. This practice began in the 9th century and continued until the 12th century, primarily in the areas of England and the British Isles. The purpose of these gemmings was to provide a means of communication between the English and the Norse settlers, who spoke different languages.

The gemmings are typically found on runestones, which are stones used for memorializing the deceased. The English words are inscribed in the runes, which are the alphabetic symbols used by the Norse. This allowed the Norse to read and understand the English words, even though they did not speak English.

The gemmings provide valuable historical and linguistic information. They offer insights into the interactions between the English and the Norse, as well as the linguistic evolution of Old English. They also provide evidence of the spread of Christianity in the region, as many of the runestones are Christian memorials.

The most famous example of an English gemming is the Jelling Stone, which is inscribed with both Old Norse and Old English words. The gemmings have been studied by linguists, historians, and archaeologists to better understand the cultural and linguistic exchanges that took place during the Viking Age.