Die Entstehung Des Artikels Im Semitischen: Eine 'Phonizische' Perspektive

Abstract

While there has been an extensive discussion concerning the origin of the grammatical forms used for the so-called 'definite article' in Semitic languages during the last few years, the function of this category has been unduly neglected. A fresh examination of the Phoenician material throws light on the earliest stages of the definite article as a feature of syntax, pointing out that it was originally used in order to mark subordination and syntactical dependence of elements already marked as definite rather than determination as such. This latter function, in turn, which is typical for later stages of Phoenician as well as for other Semitic languages, appears to be a result of language change. In the light of texts datable on paleographic grounds this process can be traced step by step. Survivals of the older usage suggest that a similar development took place in Hebrew as well.