Thə Laŋ’gwij ə’v Gren’dəl
Grendel is a monstrous being. Therefore, the humans are fearful of him. In chapter 1, Grendel tries to communicate to the humans. His voice scares them and evokes their attack on him. Grendel now sees that, though he can understand their language, they can’t understand his. With his strong yearn to be accepted by their society – even with all the things he dislikes about it – this disconnection is a disappointment to Grendel. In later chapters when conversing with Unferth, Grendel tries his best to enunciate his words and relay his notions. From these observations, it is reasonable to conclude that Grendel’s attitude toward language is positive.
Grendel then develops a more curious attitude toward language. In the beginning, Grendel’s language was very basic; he used parenthesis for his sub-thoughts and depicted his sounds with onomatopoeia. In chapter 7, he began experimenting with different ways to present his thoughts. He added “cuts,” verses, and bullet points. In chapter 8 he even allowed verses of Wealtheow and Hrothulf’s thoughts (the thoughts Grendel thought they thought). Grendel has no one to converse with, so these little diversions from his usual style is all he has to make him feel social.
Grendel then develops a more curious attitude toward language. In the beginning, Grendel’s language was very basic; he used parenthesis for his sub-thoughts and depicted his sounds with onomatopoeia. In chapter 7, he began experimenting with different ways to present his thoughts. He added “cuts,” verses, and bullet points. In chapter 8 he even allowed verses of Wealtheow and Hrothulf’s thoughts (the thoughts Grendel thought they thought). Grendel has no one to converse with, so these little diversions from his usual style is all he has to make him feel social.