From: Shoshanna Walker <rosewalk AT concentric.net>
To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [b-hebrew] Interchangeable letters
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:22:30 -0400
The BGDKFRT variations are not later developments, they are already
mentioned as the 7 (yes, reish is included) double letters in the
Sefer Yetzira which is ancient ancient ancient.
Shoshanna
Let us keep in mind that the original pronounciation
of Kaf was indeed K, a totally separate Semitic letter
from the H(.)et.
The BGDKFT variations are later developments, possibly
in or after the Persian period, but the timing is not
certain.
In the the modern Israeli pronounciation both letters
sound alike, but this has nothing to do with the original
sound of these different letters. Oriental Jews who don't
emulate the Ashkenazi misprounciation clearly keep the
difference. So of course does the Arabic.
Now, the the pre-historical development of human
languages in general, and Semitics in particular, I leave
to those who enjoy speculation.
Uri Hurwitz
to warrant the > consideration of X and K as "interchangeable"?
Worth thinking about. The similarity in what we think of as
the meaning my be a secondary development. Thanks for bringing it
to my attention. Ideas, anyone? Yigal Levin
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