Absolute Constructions in Early Indo-European

A thorough examination of the nature and function of absolute constructions in Greek, Latin and Sanskrit.

Antonia Ruppel (Author)

9781108456029, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 April 2018

269 pages
21.5 x 13.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.3 kg

'… a useful study of the absolute constructions in Greek, Latin and Sanskrit … It will be of help for the further study of these and similar constructions.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

In the past, discussions of absolute constructions (ACs) have been limited by an imprecise understanding of what ACs are. By examining the nature and function of ACs and related constructions in Greek, Latin and Sanskrit, this new study arrives at a clear and simple definition of ACs. Focussing on the earliest attested material in each language, it highlights how AC usage differs between languages and offers explanations for these differences. Identifying the common core shared by all ACs, it suggests a starting-point and way by which they developed into Greek, Latin and Sanskrit. Further historical study reveals how ACs have been conceived of by grammarians, philologists and even Christian missionaries over the last two thousand years and how enduring misconceptions still affect our discussion of them today. All Sanskrit material is annotated in detail, making it accessible for classicists in particular and allowing a better understanding of ACs in Greek and Latin.

1. The AC so far
2. Early Greek
3. Early Latin
4. The Sanskrit locative absolute and its syntactic surroundings
5. Proto-Indo-European roots of ACs.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB], Grammar, syntax & morphology [CFK], Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF]