Reading Groups

Proficiency in medieval studies necessarily involves developing key translation and palaeographical skills. Various members of the Centre voluntarily run informal groups that aim to assist both undergraduate and postgraduate students in this regard. The groups, some current, some in abeyance, are :

• Medieval Latin (advanced and beginners)
• Old English
• Middle English
• Old French
• Old Irish
• Old Norse

MEDIEVAL LATIN (ADVANCED)

This group continues to meet on Fridays whenever John Ward is in town, gathering at 12.30 p.m. in the Holme cafeteria and at about 1.00 p.m. removing to John Woolley Building, Room N306. Besides occasional readings to assist students undertaking a Ph.D., William of Malmesbury’s Polyhistor is currently being read. This generally under-studied work comprises a fine amalgam of bowdlerised classical lore with medieval comments and the group is preparing an annotated translation. Anyone is welcome to join : contact John Ward by telephone (02) 9799 6237 or e-mail.

MEDIEVAL LATIN (BEGINNERS)

An informal reading group for Medieval Latin began in November 2005, reading and translating a broad range of texts. For more information please contact .

OLD ENGLISH

OERG meets fortnightly on Monday evenings to read aloud and translate literature in Old English. OERG aims, in an informal environment, to foster interest in Old English language and literature; to increase awareness of the richness of the language itself and the diverse texts which were written in it; and to improve translation skills. Attendance is flexible and no preparation is required, although a knowledge of Old English is beneficial. For more information please contact .

MIDDLE ENGLISH

MERG meets weekly for an hour. generally in the Holme Courtyard. The group reads any English literature written from the eleventh century to the sixteenth, including texts with unusual dialects and others in the transition period from Old to Middle English. MERG is an informal meeting of students, staff, and others interested in the literature of the period. No preparation is required, nor is experience with Middle English. The group paces itself according to the individual abilities of those who turn up on the day. Suggestions for texts are always welcome, as are new members of all abilities. We like people! For more information please contact .

OLD FRENCH

'FROG' meets weekly for an hour, generally in the Holme Courtyard. Ideally you have at least intermediate level Modern French &/or some classical or medieval Latin, but if you haven't you'll be welcome anyway! For more information please contact .

OLD IRISH

OIRG meets weekly from 12 to 2 p.m. on Fridays at Sancta Sophia College, to read aloud and translate literature in Old Irish, the Irish language spoken and written between the fifth and ninth centuries. We work through a few exercises to strengthen our grasp of the structure of the language and spend the rest of each meeting reading texts, which include poetry, tales, and law texts. Attendance is flexible and preparation is optional. Undergraduates, postgraduates, and community members are all welcome. No prior knowledge of the language is required, but enthusiasm and a sense of humour would be helpful. For more information please contact Pamella O'Neill by .

OLD NORSE

ONRG meets fortnightly on Thursday evenings and is open to enthusiastic participants with any level of Old Norse – beginners welcome. A little preparation beforehand is usually preferable; drinks, nibbles, and the unravelling of unusual texts, happen on the night. For more information please contact .