Weser–Rhine Germanic
Weser–Rhine Germanic is a proposed group of prehistoric West Germanic dialects, which includes both Central German dialects and Low Franconian, the ancestor of Dutch.[1][2] The term was introduced by the German linguist Friedrich Maurer as a replacement for the older term Istvaeonic, with which it is essentially synonymous. The term Rhine–Weser Germanic is sometimes preferred.[3]
"Istvaeonic" redirects here. This article is about a hypothetical branch of the Germanic proto-language. For the Germanic tribes described by Pliny and Tacitus, see Istvaeones.Weser–Rhine Germanic
- Germanic
- West Germanic
- Weser–Rhine Germanic
- West Germanic
Nomenclature[edit]
The term Istvaeonic is derived from the Istvæones (or Istvaeones), a culturo-linguistic grouping of Germanic tribes, mentioned by Tacitus in his Germania.[4] Pliny the Elder further specified its meaning by claiming that the Istævones lived near the Rhine.[5] Maurer used Pliny to refer to the dialects spoken by the Franks and Chatti around the northwestern banks of the Rhine, which were presumed to be descendants of the earlier Istvaeones.[6] The Weser is a river in Germany, east of and parallel to the Rhine. The terms Rhine–Weser or Weser–Rhine, therefore, both describe the area between the two rivers as a meaningful cultural-linguistic region.