Luwic

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 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 allo-morphy (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.

The present article offers a detailed examination of the Lycian phonetic development from a labial glide u̯ {w} into a fricative {b} [v]/[β], which results from contact with an obstruent ([β]/[v] {b} < u̯/C_, AHP: 289). The study of phonetic contexts within each lexeme will allow us to establish new conditions for this change, whether extensions or restrictions, and also to propose some derivations and etymologies.

This paper offers a new perspective on Cop's Law and Open Syllable Lengthening, two commonly accepted sound laws that lengthened both consonants and vowels in the Luwic languages. It is proposed that both developments take similar inputs and ultimately yield the same effect: neutralisation of the syllable weight opposition in accented (stressed) syllables. This development is in line with a tendency already observable in Proto-Anatolian, according to which unstressed syllables were made light, while stressed syllables were made heavy. Thus, it is argued, in the prehistory of the Luwic languages, vocalic length, consonantal length and syllable weight in general became increasingly dependent to the position of the stress and therefore became phonologically neutralised to a certain extent.