Old English Wordhord 1.4.1

The Old English Wordhord is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich and fascinating world of Old English vocabulary. Instead of just being a dictionary, it presents itself as a captivating museum exhibition that you can carry with you wherever you go.

Old English, although familiar in some ways, truly comes alive when heard or seen in its original form. Once widely spoken across Britain over a millennium ago, the language boasts words that have remained virtually unchanged (like "word"), as well as others that are now unrecognizable (such as "neorxnawang," meaning paradise), and even some that evoke curiosity when translated (like "gafol-fisc," which literally signifies tax-fish).

With the Old English Wordhord, you have the opportunity to expand your vocabulary by learning a new word every day. The app offers customizable widgets that facilitate this daily learning process, ensuring that you slowly build your word-hoard over time.

In addition to the daily updates, the app also provides access to an extensive archive of words dating back to 2013. This feature allows users to delve deeper into the language's history and trace its evolution throughout the years.

Another notable feature of the Old English Wordhord is its commitment to pronunciation accuracy. Each word comes with written pronunciations, provided in both simplified and IPA styles. By simply tapping on the pronunciation, you can hear the word spoken aloud, helping you grasp its rhythmic qualities.

What sets this app apart is its incorporation of manuscript images from medieval times. As you explore the words, you will often encounter accompanying images from ancient manuscripts, which can be viewed in fullscreen mode. This integration provides a visual representation of how these words were used and adds an immersive element to your learning experience.

The app is intelligently organized into various word categories, covering a wide range of subjects. From animals to battle, emotions to religion, and everything in between, you will find an abundance of words to explore and deepen your understanding of Old English.

Furthermore, the Old English Wordhord allows users to save their favorite words, ensuring that they can access them anytime, anywhere on any device. The synchronized feature keeps your saved words consistent across various platforms and devices.

The design of the app is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Inspired by the lines and colors used in medieval manuscripts, it evokes a sense of historical authenticity. Even the dark mode feature pays homage to the traditional "dark mode" employed in ancient manuscripts, where gold ink was inscribed on deep bluish-black pages.

Adding a touch of visual delight, the app includes a gold shimmer effect reminiscent of manuscripts adorned with gold leaf. When you move your device, certain elements within the app shimmer just like those precious pages. (Note: This feature can be enabled or disabled in the settings according to your preference.)

Inclusivity is a priority for the Old English Wordhord team. The app provides support for Dynamic Type, Reduced Motion, and VoiceOver, ensuring accessibility for all users. Additionally, alt text has been meticulously crafted for every image within the app, making it accessible for those using screen readers.

The mastermind behind this treasure trove of words is none other than Hana Videen, an accomplished author with a Ph.D. in English from King’s College London. With unwavering dedication, she has shared an Old English word every day since 2013.

The Old English Wordhord is a remarkable resource that brings the captivating world of Old English to life. Its unique approach to teaching vocabulary, accompanied by immersive visuals and user-friendly features, sets it apart from other language-learning apps. Whether you are a scholar, a language enthusiast, or simply curious about the roots of the English language, this app is an absolute must-have.