Micénico, dialectos paramicénicos y aqueo épico

Abstract

This paper refers to the dialectal state of Greece during the second millennium B. C. In a forthcoming issue of Emerita another article will follow on «The creation of the Greek dialects of the first millennium». According to the author Mycenaean, although closely related with the other Greek oriental dialects, would present features of its own: this dialect sometimes has innovations not found anywhere else, sometimes presents doublets while the other dialects choose one or the other form. The original kernel of Epic language is related to Mycenaean but differs from it both in archaisms and innovations. This language was altered in the beginning of the first millennium when some Homeric features were interpreted as Ionian or Aeolian and so allowed the introduction of actual Ionian and Aeolian features. On the other hand already in the second millennium might exist some varieties in the oriental Greek dialects which form the kernels of the future Ionian-Attic, Aeolian and Arcadian-Cypriot dialects. It is just these varieties which are called Para-Mycenaean by the author. It is quite trustworthy to believe that Crete was the birthplace of linear B, exported then to the Continent to be used by the official recorders. Epic Achaean language, on the contrary, is believed to be born in the Continent and to have developed in Minor Asia.