Lexikographische Einblicke in das Sprechen über Sexuelles im Frühneuhochdeutschen

Abstract

This article examines the Early New High Ger­man Dictionary (Frühneuhochdeutsches Wörterbuch) in order to find out to what extent Early New High German lexical items referring to genitalia and sexual intercourse can give us access to attitudes towards sexuality. It also explores how communication about sexuality functions in Early New High German texts and under what circum­stances. Early New High German sexual vocabulary can be found in different types of texts, such as theological, medical, and legal texts and, above all, entertaining lit­erary works. Depending on the type of text, it covers different registers and is linked to different themes and concepts such as chastity, sinfulness, marriage, impotence, exhibitionism, fertility, menstruation, skills of a lover, masturbation, and, often, sexualised violence.