Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Rolf Furuli <furuli AT online.no>]

Dear Randall,

Your characteristic of my methodology is wrong! Before I started with 
languages, I was studying natural sciences. A fundamental principle 
here is to start with the smallest possible unit. I found that this 
principle also can be used in the study of languages. The more units 
we study at the same time, the less certain are our conclusions.

Another important principle in the natural sciences is that our 
definitions must be clear-cut, so others can test our conclusions. 
Therefore, I ask for clear and understandable definitions of the 
terms that are used in the study of Hebrew.

It is not true that I have no room for (A1+B1+C1) vs (A2+B2+C2), if I 
understand you correctly. There is much variation inside a language, 
and very few things are static or unchangeable. My methodology 
certainly has room for variation. However, I reject unclear 
definitions that cannot be tested, or the use of terms such as tense, 
mood, and aspect, where the user refuses to give his or her 
definitions.

I give one example things that are A, B, or C, with no variants.

Genesis 18:7 "And Abraham ran to the herd."

The verb "run" is dynamic (indicating change) and durative 
(indicating continuous action). Regardless of whether the verb is 
expressed as a prefix form, a suffix form, a participle, or an 
infinitive, it will always be dynamic and durative. These two 
properties of this verb represent semantic meaning and are 
uncancellable.

Then I give two examples of A1 and A2.

Genesis 6:13 "The earth is full of violence."

Genesis 26:15 "The Philistines filled them with earth."

In 6:13, ML) is stative, and in 26:15 it is fientive, and the 
examples show conversational pragmatic implicature; the properties of 
the verb are changeable.


Best regards,

Rolf Furuli




> Correct. Rolf works from a methodology where things are all A or B or C or
> nothing, His model has no room for (A1+B1+C1) vs (A2+B2+C2). Cognitive
> Linguistics has room for this latter.
>
>
> >  Thank you for your response. Rolf's answer to me sounded like he does not
> >  agree
> >  with the definitions given in your review article and Andrason's article. I
> >  think there is a lot more of the both/and equation in Hebrew verb patterns
> >  rather than either/or. I think your article and Andrason's seem to make
> >  that
>
> --
> Randall Buth, PhD
> www.biblicalulpan.org
> randallbuth AT gmail.com
> Biblical Language Center
> Learn Easily - Progress Further - Remember for Life
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