08-12-2008, 02:02 PM
Probably because English frequently has more than one word meaning the same thing - it's the advantage of amalgamating a number of languages into one, but causes confusion to modern, compartmentalising, minds who seek a different, definitive meaning to every term. Essentially because English evolved as a language to communicate between people speaking several different tongues, it has not the characterisitcs of an idealised technical lexicon; it is more nuanced.
In any case, the word rudder is related etymologically in English (and German) to 'row'.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-rudder.html
"rudder
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | Date: 1996
rudder †steering oar OE.; steering-gear mounted in a boat or ship XIV. OE. roðer = MLG., MDu. rōder (Du. roer), OHG. ruodar, (G. ruder):- WGmc. *rōþra-, rel. to ROW2. "
Originally it may well have simply meant a thing with which you row, as opposed to oar
"oar
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | Date: 1996
oar OE. ār = ON. ár :- Gmc. *airō. "
In any case, the word rudder is related etymologically in English (and German) to 'row'.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-rudder.html
"rudder
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | Date: 1996
rudder †steering oar OE.; steering-gear mounted in a boat or ship XIV. OE. roðer = MLG., MDu. rōder (Du. roer), OHG. ruodar, (G. ruder):- WGmc. *rōþra-, rel. to ROW2. "
Originally it may well have simply meant a thing with which you row, as opposed to oar
"oar
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | Date: 1996
oar OE. ār = ON. ár :- Gmc. *airō. "
