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This chapter introduces the present study as a critique of the traditional view that the Old Norse pronouns þeir, þeir(r)a and þeim are the sole origin of the English pronouns they, their and them. Instead the book argues that the pronouns derive from the Old English (OE) demonstratives þā–þāra–þām and their variants. The use of Old English demonstratives in personal pronoun function created a pre-existing native ‘þ-’ type system that was reinforced by language contact rather than direct borrowing.

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Introduction

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Marcelle Cole

摘要

This chapter introduces the present study as a critique of the traditional view that the Old Norse pronouns þeir, þeir(r)a and þeim are the sole origin of the English pronouns they, their and them. Instead the book argues that the pronouns derive from the Old English (OE) demonstratives þā–þāra–þām and their variants. The use of Old English demonstratives in personal pronoun function created a pre-existing native ‘þ-’ type system that was reinforced by language contact rather than direct borrowing.