The feminine endings *-ay and *-āy in Semitic and Berber (original) (raw)

Abstract

This paper examines the evidence for the marginal feminine endings *-ay-and *-āy-in Proto-Semitic, and the feminine endings *-e and *-a in Proto-Berber. Their similar formation (*CV ̆ CC-ay/āy), semantics (verbal abstracts, underived concrete feminine nouns) and plural morphology (replacement of the feminine suffix by a plural suffix with-w-) suggest that this feminine formation should be reconstructed to a shared ancestor which may be called Proto-Berbero-Semitic.

Key takeaways

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  1. Reconstruct Proto-Berbero-Semitic as the ancestral language for feminine endings *-ay and *-āy.
  2. Feminine suffixes in Semitic and Berber share formation, semantics, and plural morphology.
  3. Evidence suggests Proto-Semitic has feminine endings *-ay and *-āy, appearing in isolated forms across languages.
  4. Proto-Berber features feminine endings *-e and *-a, often used for abstract nouns.
  5. Numerous examples from Arabic and Berber illustrate the morphological similarities of these feminine formations.

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FAQs

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What explains the morphological similarities between feminine suffixes in Semitic and Berber?add

The research indicates that both Semitic *-ay and Berber feminine suffixes share a Proto-Berbero-Semitic origin, evidenced by their morphological and semantic functions identified across various languages.

How did the study reconstruct Proto-Berbero-Semitic suffixes?add

The reconstruction process involved analyzing suffix patterns and existing forms in Arabic and Berber, indicating that the feminine suffixes evolved from *-ay and *-āy.

What findings support the existence of *-ay in Proto-Semitic?add

Evidence from Arabic, Akkadian, and other Semitic languages shows sporadic but significant usage of the feminine *-ay, supporting its reconstruction for Proto-Semitic.

When did the shifts of *w and *y occur in Arabic dialects?add

Historical evidence suggests the shifts from *w and *y to ʔ and ā occurred variably across Arabic dialects, particularly preserving these sounds in dialects such as Rāziḥ and Xawlān.

What are the implications of feminine plural formations in Berber languages?add

The study reveals that Berber employs a suffix system for feminine plural nouns, with conditioned alternation between *-iw-en and *-aw-en based on preceding vowel quality.