Printed Book
Genmäle till Piotr Garbacz recension av A Grammar of Elfdalian
Source system: Publicera | Published: 2026-03-07 | Pages: 245-253
Abstract
AbstractIn his review of Sapir & Lundgren’s (2024) A Grammar of Elfdalian, Garbacz provides some relevant suggestions, especially concerning syntax. However, his review contains many obvious faults and misconceptions and logical fallacies, which overshadow the relevant comments. Garbacz questions the study object (Late Classical Elfdalian), the role of the book as a grammar due to the lack of references in most chapters (which is intended to ease readability), the desire of the authors to revitalise an old language (a decision aligned with the speakers’ wish to revitalise the “classical” stage of Elfdalian), and the choice of the name Elfdalian (which follows the tradition initiated by Dahl in 2001). These premises should, however, not affect the scientific quality of the book. Rather, the results, based on the premises, should be assessed. Further, Garbacz misses the fact that the book has been peer reviewed. Although sometimes commenting on footnotes, Garbacz abstains from commenting on the two hypotheses presented in the book, regarding the origin of Dalecarlian as well as the linguistic affiliation of Elfdalian. These two hypotheses partially challenge previous research about Elfdalian and Dalecarlian. Hence, a serious review would at least mention those. Finally, I urge those who study Elfdalian and Dalecarlian to cooperate more, or at least see the advantages of studying these research objects from various angles, while showing respect for the native speakers and their linguistic desires.
Keywords
Elfdalian; grammar; review; response; dialectology; minority languages; Scandinavian languages
