Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication between Germans and Wends in the Second Half of the Tenth Century

Abstract

Hiperboreea, an online academic journal published biannually by the BHA. Research interests: relations between Germans and Wends during the High Middle Ages, focusing especially on crusading and conversion. This study has provided a brief analysis of the linguistic interactions and verbal communication between Germans and Wends. What we noticed is that there is no Slavic language which has been unaffected by political and social influences from other dominant cultures. In the second half of the tenth century, cultural identity was linked more with political alliances than with language. Learning of German was a political reality which varied according to time and context. In order to maintain good relations with the Saxon nobility, the Wendish elites needed to know German. This would have ensured a direct, unambiguous communication. Translators could interfere with the messages and generate conflicts. Some of the Wendish elites could have known Latin as well. As tributaries of Saxon margraves and dukes, they could have signed documents regarding their obligations. Therefore, a sort of ethnic consciousness was more developed among the Wendish upper classes than lower class.