Research master thesis | Linguistics (research) (MA)
open access
In this thesis, the finite verb in Lycian is described. All verbal endings and stems are analysed and given both a synchronic description and, to the maximum possible extent, a diachronic...Show moreIn this thesis, the finite verb in Lycian is described. All verbal endings and stems are analysed and given both a synchronic description and, to the maximum possible extent, a diachronic explanation. First, all verbal endings are gathered and described both generally and individually. Subsequently, the verbal stems are categorised into types according to stem formant (last segment(s) before the ending) and ending allomorphy (e.g. lenited vs. unlenited). The last sections are devoted to a detailed individual treatment of all attested Lycian verbal stems. A schema is presented in which the established Lycian stem types are mapped to their original Proto-Indo-European types (section 4.6), e.g. Lyc. s-stems < PIE sḱé/ó-presents. Thereby, a comprehensive model is provided by which the Lycian finite verb may be understood in both its Anatolian and Indo-European context.Show less
Research master thesis | Linguistics (research) (MA)
open access
Syncope, or the dropping of vowels from within a word, is one of the most distinctive features of the Lycian languages within the Anatolian branch. The exact conditions for this syncope have long...Show moreSyncope, or the dropping of vowels from within a word, is one of the most distinctive features of the Lycian languages within the Anatolian branch. The exact conditions for this syncope have long evaded linguists. This study aims to clarify the rules and restrictions regarding syncope in Lycian. The first chapter will briefly describe the Lycian language, as well as Lycia, the country where it was spoken. The second chapter will define the place of Lycian within the Anatolian branch of the Indo-European language family. Before undertaking the description of a certain feature in a certain language, it is wise to first narrowly define that feature. This will be done in the third chapter. The fourth chapter will first give an overview of the previous scholarship on syncope in Lycian, after which a detailed analysis will be attempted. This analysis will shed light on the stress patterns of Lycian and show that syncope had worked in a specific period in the past of the language, but that it had since ceased to operate. The fifth and last chapter will summarise the conclusions. This study found that verbs were stressed on the root, or on the suffix, and that nouns were stressed penultimately. Both pre- and post-tonic syllables were syncopated if they were short at the time that syncope took place. In many cases syncope was reversed by paradigmatic levelling.Show less
