Direct Loanwords:
* "berserk": From Old Norse *berserkr*, meaning "bear-shirt" or "wolf-shirt," referring to a warrior in a frenzied state.
* "skull": From Old Norse *skulle*.
* "fjord": From Old Norse *fjǫrðr*, a narrow inlet of the sea.
* "saga": From Old Norse *saga*, meaning "tale" or "story."
* "skerry": From Old Norse *sker*.
* "berserk": From Old Norse *berserkr*.
Indirect Influences:
* Vikings: They brought with them words related to warfare, seafaring, and daily life. These words sometimes entered English through Old Norse itself, or through Old English and later Middle English.
* Old Norse Grammar: It influenced the grammatical structures of Old English, which in turn shaped modern English.
* "Scandinavian" Influence: The term itself derives from the Latinized form of "Scania," a southern Swedish region. This highlights the historical and cultural importance of Scandinavia in shaping the English language.
Other Notable Contributions:
* Place names: Many place names in England, Scotland, and Ireland have Scandinavian origins, indicating Viking settlement. Examples include "York" (from *Jórvík*), "Grimsby" (from *Grimmesby*), and "Dublin" (from *Dyflin*).
* Cultural References: English literature and culture are peppered with references to Nordic myths and legends, such as Thor, Odin, and the Valkyries.
Overall:
While the impact of the Nordic languages on English might not be as prominent as other languages, it's significant nonetheless. It has enriched the language with words, grammar, and cultural references, adding depth and complexity to its vocabulary and history.