Name

Thiudisc refers to the Germanic people. ‘Thiud’ means “folk” and ‘isc’ signifies “belonging to”. In the Middle Ages, the term was used to distinguish the vernacular from Latin. During the Early Middle Ages, priests preached in Latin; the word Thiudisc appeared in texts to indicate that what was written was in the language of the people rather than in Latin. The term “thiudisc” did not denote one specific tongue, but referred collectively to the various Germanic languages spoken by the people. The earliest recorded instance of the word thiudisc appears in the proceedings of the Council of Tours in 813.

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The name Thiudisc is therefore most fitting for our organisation. First, it is a term that encompasses all Germanic languages, and thus all Germanic peoples. Secondly, its two elements — “folk” and “belonging to” — reflect two of the central principles of our association. Finally, it is a beautiful word in its own right, and one that deserves to be rediscovered.