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b-hebrew - Re: [b-hebrew] theories and standards

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  • From: Isaac Fried <if AT math.bu.edu>
  • To: James Read <J.Read-2 AT sms.ed.ac.uk>
  • Cc: B-Hebrew List <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] theories and standards
  • Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 12:28:52 -0400


The bi-consonantal theory holds that many (all?) tri-consonantal Hebrew roots started as bi-consonantal, and then the stock was extended by the addition of a letter: PR-D, PR-Z, PR-S, PR-C etc.
So what? is B, say, a root in the English language?

Isaac Fried Boston University

On May 18, 2009, at 11:09 AM, James Read wrote:

Hi,

Quoting Isaac Fried <if AT math.bu.edu>:


It is based on the assumption (I believe commonly accepted) that man
spoke as soon as he could.

If you accept the bi-consonantal theory, then you need to explain what
is being added to complete the root to tri-consonantal form. If this
addition is meaningful, then it is a one-consonant root.

What exactly is the bi-consonantal theory?

There is no denying that there are Hebrew words of a single-consonant
root, to wit: AB, BA, EM, EL, AT, AX. AG, GA, DA, ZA, RA, BB, GG, DD,
CC, NN, SS, LL, RR, XX.

There are many single consonant words in English, to wit: in, on, an, it, is, he, no.

James Christian



Isaac Fried Boston University

On May 18, 2009, at 10:06 AM, James Read wrote:

Hi,

Quoting Isaac Fried <if AT math.bu.edu>:

1. ALEP-ox, BET-house, etc. is a (relatively) modern initiative for
the edification and entertainment of children.

This is a genuine possibility. We still do that kind of thing to this day.


2. Language preceded the alphabet by about 28,000 years.


This, however, has to be the most unsubstantiated comment of the century. All we know about language is that its written form appeared simultaneously in different parts of the world near large rivers, period. Anything beyond that is complete and total speculation based on...nothing.

James Christian


Isaac Fried Boston University

On May 18, 2009, at 9:21 AM, James Read wrote:

Yes, I know. We've done this before. You postulate that the consonants have a meaning and that roots are composites of these basic meanings.

I think your theory would have more credence if the alphabet were based on them rather than on a oxes head, a house etc. etc.

James Christian



Quoting Isaac Fried <if AT math.bu.edu>:

It was in my opinion uni-consonantal.

Isaac Fried, Boston University



--
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.





--
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.







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