Abstract
AbstractThis is a study of the semantics of definiteness marking and of its applicability to the Old East Scandinavian linguistic scenario. Contrary to the Modern Continental Scandinavian languages, Old East Scandinavian varieties did not possess fully-fledged definite articles, although all three demonstrative systems (hinn, -inn, sá/þænn, andsjá/þænni) show some evidence of being used as markers of definiteness. A semantic analysis of these forms in extracts from theScanian LawandGuta Lagreveals the differentiated intermediate stages along the cline of grammaticalisation these definiteness markers found themselves in during this linguistic period. This confirms, in turn, that despite not being employed as definite articles proper,hinn, -innandsá/þænnshow some degree of semantic bleaching.
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