Word Order of Old High German

Based on the corpus of the Old High German Tatian Gospel Translations, which are shown to be independent in word order from their Latin original, this book presents an analysis of word order within the clause categories of traditional grammar. Each clause category is shown to be the domain of a discrete word order type. Patterns are identified and illustrated by examples, and in most cases may be regarded as approaching the status of rules. Exceptions are discussed, and suggested motivations for departing from word order patters established, including emphatic, rhythmic and stylistic factors.