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Balearic Hebrew: Difference between revisions
→Descriptive Infinitive
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===== Descriptive Infinitive ===== | ===== Descriptive Infinitive ===== | ||
In the case where an infinitive is paired with a verb of a different root, an English translation requires some sort of circumstantial clause, or the preposition "by" to define more exactly the manner in which the action is performed. This use supplants the now inexistent active participle of Biblical Hebrew. For example, using the roots ''d-b-r'' (to say), and the root ''ʔ-l-h'' (to swear), the phrase ''dībbirū'' ''ʔūlo,'' meaning they said (swearing) is most accurately translated as "they said by swearing" or "they promised." | In the case where an infinitive is paired with a verb of a different root (though sometimes the same to emphasize its meaning), an English translation requires some sort of circumstantial clause, or the preposition "by" to define more exactly the manner in which the action is performed. This use supplants the now inexistent active participle of Biblical Hebrew. For example, using the roots ''d-b-r'' (to say), and the root ''ʔ-l-h'' (to swear), the phrase ''dībbirū'' ''ʔūlo,'' meaning they said (swearing) is most accurately translated as "they said by swearing" or "they promised." | ||
Interestingly, Biblical Hebrew used the infinitive of the verb ''h-l-k'' to show continuous action. This infinitive grammaticalized as the prefix ''lū'' on the also archaic waw-consecutive of the Biblical suffix conjugation, forming the Balearic present tense. Here is an example of the semantic evolution of this construction: | Interestingly, Biblical Hebrew used the infinitive of the verb ''h-l-k'' to show continuous action. This infinitive grammaticalized as the prefix ''lū'' on the also archaic waw-consecutive of the Biblical suffix conjugation, forming the Balearic present tense. Here is an example of the semantic evolution of this construction: | ||