The so-called “Declaration of Arbroath”, whose 700th anniversary was celebrated in 2020, represents an extraordinary document both in Scottish history and for Scottish culture. The “Declaration”, an official letter produced by Robert the Bruce’s chancery and sent to Pope John XXII in the late spring or early summer of 1320, is an appeal made by around 50 Scottish aristocrats. The legendary origins of the Scottish people are recalled in the letter, as well as the English occupation after 1296, Robert the Bruce’s struggle to free Scotland, his pact with the community of the realm, the eagerness of the Scots to take part in a crusade planned by the Pope. In particular, the names of the Scottish noblemen who signed and/or sealed the document are a significant onomastic source by which the many linguistic and cultural layers contributing to form the Scottish identity after the 11th and 12th century can be highlighted. From this point of view, the “Declaration of Arbroath” can be used as an effective didactic tool to teach cultural and linguistic aspects of medieval Scotland, such as naming practices and the development of family names in Scottish aristocratic families, among others.
La « Déclaration d’Arbroath »: aspects historico-culturels et onomastiques, et perspectives didactiques
Di Clemente, Valeria
2023-01-01
Abstract
The so-called “Declaration of Arbroath”, whose 700th anniversary was celebrated in 2020, represents an extraordinary document both in Scottish history and for Scottish culture. The “Declaration”, an official letter produced by Robert the Bruce’s chancery and sent to Pope John XXII in the late spring or early summer of 1320, is an appeal made by around 50 Scottish aristocrats. The legendary origins of the Scottish people are recalled in the letter, as well as the English occupation after 1296, Robert the Bruce’s struggle to free Scotland, his pact with the community of the realm, the eagerness of the Scots to take part in a crusade planned by the Pope. In particular, the names of the Scottish noblemen who signed and/or sealed the document are a significant onomastic source by which the many linguistic and cultural layers contributing to form the Scottish identity after the 11th and 12th century can be highlighted. From this point of view, the “Declaration of Arbroath” can be used as an effective didactic tool to teach cultural and linguistic aspects of medieval Scotland, such as naming practices and the development of family names in Scottish aristocratic families, among others.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
