What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the interaction between initial velars and the labial sound w in primitive Indo-European.

April 24, 2026

Initial Velars + w in Indo-European

Key Points

To investigate the interaction between initial velars and the labial sound w in primitive Indo-European.
Analysis of phonetic combinations in the Indo-European language system.
Application of H. Pedersen's theory on velar and labial interactions.
Examination of historical phonetic changes and simplifications.
Initial combinations of velar sounds with w were rarely successful, leading to simplification.
The theory suggests that pure velars resist combination with labial w, explaining certain phonetic losses.

Abstract

It is possible that primitive IE never allowed w to come in contact with an initial velar, and that whenever this combination occurred, it was simplified. This simplification is best explained by H. Pedersen's theory, IF 22. 354 f., of the ‘Abneigung der “reinen Velare” gegen die Verbindung mit einem w’. For, as he explains, the pure velars or ‘uvulars’ were the farthest back of the k - sounds, and consequently would not combine readily with the labial w. This would explain the apparent loss of w where no other phonetic reason is present.

AI से पूछें

Bookmark