Partikelfunktionen in Varietäten: Zu den eckorôdo-Abkömmlingen

Lexical forms derived from OHG eck(o)rôdo ('tantummodo') are frequent and widespread in early High German. However, they do not find their way into the early form of written NHG, where the competing particle nur prevails. Similarly, forms like ekert, okert, ok and ocht are suppressed in High German dialects. Only the Silesian particle ok has survived and continnued to gain strength until recently. By use of the ok references in Gerhart Hauptmann's drama "De Waber" ("Die Weber"), published in 1892, in which the author has the weavers speak in Silesian dialect, a synchronie analysis of the particles is carried out. As in older forms of the language, the functions are particularly used as gradation and toning particles. The detoning ok in imperative sentences, which is the group occurring most frequently is given an intensifying, yet moderating function, lending the particle the function of an indicator of a positive attitude on the part of the addresser towards the addressee.