A tool or individual that renders texts from the Old High German language (circa 750-1050 AD) into a more accessible language, such as modern German or English. This process requires expertise in historical linguistics, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics of the Old High German period. For example, a passage from the Muspilli, a 9th-century Old High German poem, could be rendered into contemporary German to facilitate understanding of its religious and cultural significance.
The capability to accurately interpret these early Germanic texts is vital for understanding the development of the German language and culture. It offers invaluable insights into the social, religious, and intellectual history of the early medieval period in German-speaking lands. These services allow scholars and researchers access to primary source materials that would otherwise be inaccessible, fostering a deeper comprehension of the evolution of literary, legal, and religious traditions.