Introduction to the laryngeal theory (Innsbrucker Beiträge zur Sprachwissenschaft) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3851246667 ISBN 13: 9783851246667

Synopsis

According to the "Laryngeal Theory," Indo-European language --the putative ancestor of Celtic, Germanic, Balto-Slavic, Greek, Armenian, Indo-Iranian, and many other languages--possessed certain consonants called "laryngeals." Although one or two of these consonants live on in Anatolian Indo-European languages, "laryngeals" survive only as vestiges in the non-Anatolian Indo-European language family. This manual guides readers through the complexities of the "Laryngeal Theory," offering a clear and consistent introduction to an important aspect of Indo-European language studies. Casting new light on the phonologic system of Early Indo-European, the book will be welcomed by specialists as well as scholars and students of general linguistic theory.

About this title

Synopsis

The aim of this book, intended as a manual, is to present the features of the so-called "laryngeal theory" in a consistent and objective way. According to this theory, the parent Indo-European language, the supposed ancestor of Celtic, Italic, Germanic, Balto-Slavic, Greek, Armenian, Indo-Iranian, Tocharian, etc - possessed certain consonants, called "laryngeals" of which one or two survive in the Anatolian Indo-European languages (Hittite, Luwian, Palaic etc). The study of such "laryngeal" reflexes throws light on the phonologic system of early Indo-European. This theory, although in constant use in the field of Indo-European studies, appears in varying and sometimes conflicting forms. Students of Indo-European may experience difficulties in finding their way through this diversity. This present book will hopefully assist students in this field. The work is designed for students, not only of general linguistics but also of any of the individual branches of the Indo-European language family.

Edition details

• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3851246667
• ISBN 13: 9783851246667
• Binding: Hardcover