Etymological Challenges of the Hittite Reflexive Particle -zi

Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study of Hittite linguistics presents challenges, particularly concerning the etymology of the reflexive particle -zi. It seems to correspond with an Indo-European s1 or possibly *su2. The Hittite word zakkar, meaning "excrement," cannot be easily separated from its equivalent šakkar, suggesting a connection to Greek σκότος. Various other examples, such as zaluganu- and zamangur, also point to a broader significance of the -zi particle within the context of Indo-European roots, further complicating the understanding of this element.

The Relationship to Dental Sounds

One significant aspect of the -zi particle is its phonetic evolution when it appears with dental stops. Indogermanic sk appears as -zk- in Hittite following a dental stop; this is evident in the transformation from et- "to eat" to azzik(k)-, meaning "to devour." The interpretation of -zi as ts has gained traction over time, although some forms like na-at-ša-an reveal a tension between phonetic representations. The possibility that -zi could derive from an older s following *n is also explored, particularly with the example of the word for "woman," yet this interpretation remains cautious due to the relative rarity of -n-stems in Hittite.

Conclusion

The investigation into the -zi reflexive particle showcases the complexity of Hittite etymology and its ties to broader Indo-European linguistic structures. The particle's relationship with dental sounds and its potential historical transformations indicate a dynamic interplay of phonetics and morphology within the language. As scholars like Kronasser propose various origins for forms such as the personal pronoun, the subject remains ripe for further exploration and underscores the intricacies of linguistic evolution in ancient languages.