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Research Research for your story or poem. Ask about history, technology, language etc.

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Old 01-03-2008, 08:45 PM   #1
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Talking Directory of Old English Words and Phrases?

I would need to find some directory (preferably online) where old-fashioned English phrases and words are listed.

I have realized that to keep my text authentic and believable I need to incorporate somewhat old-fashioned words in my teaxt every here and there.

I, not having been blessed with having English as my first language, have a hard time accessing my own internal dictionary in this question. However, if you ask me to write in old-fashioned Swedish I am your gal.

I tried to Google it, that being said, I say to my defense that Google and I are not a match made in heaven.

I hope that one of you sweet people can help me out. When appropriate, I will do my best to return the favour in the future.

Thanks in advance.
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Old 01-03-2008, 09:28 PM   #2
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The OED.com, the best lexical dictionary. Very helpful, but it cost an arm and a leg to get a membership. It would be best to go to a community college library; they usually have a membership through their system that any one can use.
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Old 01-04-2008, 04:44 AM   #3
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Thank you IMnobody.

Though, I will have some problem accessing a college library, since the concept of college is rather unkown still in my country. And membership fees I shall try to avoid, given my position as a poor student.

Still, Thank you greatly.
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Old 01-04-2008, 07:21 AM   #4
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Regardless of how old the "old english" is, there should be a dictionary of sorts online.

True "Old (or Middle) English" reads like Chaucer, or worse:
Northvegr - Old English Lexicon
The Middle English Compendium

Elizabethan English, Shakespeare:
William Shakespeare Elizabethan Dictionary - Elizabethan words and meanings

Modern oral English grammar (including common use of contractions) had developed by the 18th century, with written English still a bit formal and stilited. I haven't found an online source. A copy of Bailey's Dictionary is currently on eBay.com -- although Fedex may not deliver where you are! (I used a similar old book for an old-style poem, Ode With Entick's Dictionary.) For unusual or antiquated English words and phrases of various age, see Quinion's website, World Wide Words.
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Old 01-04-2008, 11:34 AM   #5
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Nimbus1944, thank you greatly for your help and advice. It is greatly appreciated.
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