Practice Text #1

            Now that your skills are more advanced you can begin translating on your own. For each practice text identify all of the grammar first and then translate the passage in the larger text box. Examples have been provided so that you can compare your work when you are finished. The more you practice the more comfortable you will become with Old English and the process of translation. Soon you will be able to recognize vocabulary and grammar from memory and thus your translations will take up less space as you will not need to write as much down. When you are ready, try translating a text without recording every single grammatical component; include only essential elements and things that are difficult to remember. It is also important to understand as a translator that you do not have to rigidly stick to the punctuation provided. If you feel you need to add a semi-colon or other form of punctuation feel free to do so, but do not be excessive. If you enjoy translating the riddles and want to practice your skills using similar puzzles you can find a copy of the Exeter book at your school library. For more information about the sources I have used and other texts I recommend to beginners, please see the Works Cited and also the Further Reading and Helpful Resources page.

Quill-pen

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