The Curious Case of the Old English Lowercase 'm'

06 Jul 2024

Have you ever considered the humble lowercase 'm', that seemingly simple stroke of the pen that we encounter countless times every day? It, along with its fellow letters, form the bedrock of our communication, yet we rarely pause to consider their individual journeys through time. Today, let's embark on a journey to uncover the story behind the Old English lowercase 'm', a tale interwoven with the evolution of language itself.

The Old English period, spanning roughly from the mid-5th to the late 12th centuries, witnessed a dramatic shift in the linguistic landscape of Britain. It was during this era that the seeds of modern English were sown, absorbing influences from Latin, Norse, and the languages of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. With these linguistic shifts came the adoption of a new writing system, one that borrowed heavily from the Latin alphabet but adapted it to suit the unique sounds of Old English.

The lowercase 'm', as we recognize it today, emerged from this fascinating melting pot of linguistic influences. Its form can be traced back to the Roman cursive script, specifically the letter 'm' as written by scribes in everyday documents. Over time, this cursive form, with its distinctive rounded arches, gained widespread acceptance and eventually found its way into the standardized script of Old English.

But the lowercase 'm' wasn't merely a static symbol. It represented a specific sound, a voiced bilabial nasal consonant to be precise. This sound, produced with both lips closed while air escapes through the nose, is found in numerous languages around the world. In Old English, the lowercase 'm' played a crucial role in shaping the rhythm and flow of the spoken language, contributing to the distinctive cadence that we can still appreciate in surviving texts like Beowulf.

While seemingly insignificant, the evolution of the lowercase 'm' from its Roman cursive origins to its standardized form in Old English speaks volumes about the broader trends shaping language during this period. It highlights the dynamic interplay between spoken and written language, as well as the influence of cultural exchange on the development of written scripts. The 'm' stands as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of language, its ability to absorb and integrate influences while forging a unique identity.

However, deciphering Old English texts, with their unfamiliar letterforms and spellings, can be a daunting task for the modern reader. The lowercase 'm', though seemingly familiar, can take on different forms depending on its position within a word and the handwriting style of the scribe. Recognizing these variations is key to accurately interpreting Old English texts and appreciating the nuances of the language.

As we delve deeper into the world of Old English, the lowercase 'm', in all its simplicity, serves as a potent reminder of the rich history embedded within our everyday language. It's a testament to the enduring power of written communication and the fascinating journey of letters across time and cultures.