Language and Linguistic Contact in Ancient Sicily

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Foreign Languages, Language Arts, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Language and Linguistic Contact in Ancient Sicily by , Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781139854290
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: November 29, 2012
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781139854290
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: November 29, 2012
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Within the field of ancient bilingualism, Sicily represents a unique terrain for analysis as a result of its incredibly rich linguistic history, in which 'colonial' languages belonging to branches as diverse as Italic (Oscan and Latin), Greek and Semitic (Phoenician) interacted with the languages of the natives (the elusive Sicel, Sicanian and Elymian). The result of this ancient melting-pot was a culture characterised by 'postcolonial' features such as ethnic hybridity, multilingualism and artistic and literary experimentation. While Greek soon emerged as the leading language, dominating official communication and literature, epigraphic sources and indirect evidence show that the minority languages held their ground down to the fifth century BCE, and in some cases beyond. The first two parts of the volume discuss these languages and their interaction with Greek, while the third part focuses on the sociolinguistic revolution brought about by the arrival of the Romans.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Within the field of ancient bilingualism, Sicily represents a unique terrain for analysis as a result of its incredibly rich linguistic history, in which 'colonial' languages belonging to branches as diverse as Italic (Oscan and Latin), Greek and Semitic (Phoenician) interacted with the languages of the natives (the elusive Sicel, Sicanian and Elymian). The result of this ancient melting-pot was a culture characterised by 'postcolonial' features such as ethnic hybridity, multilingualism and artistic and literary experimentation. While Greek soon emerged as the leading language, dominating official communication and literature, epigraphic sources and indirect evidence show that the minority languages held their ground down to the fifth century BCE, and in some cases beyond. The first two parts of the volume discuss these languages and their interaction with Greek, while the third part focuses on the sociolinguistic revolution brought about by the arrival of the Romans.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Exits, Voices and Social Investment by
Cover of the book Ruling Europe by
Cover of the book An Introduction to Mechanics by
Cover of the book Political Aid and Arab Activism by
Cover of the book The Invention of Sustainability by
Cover of the book The New Financial Capitalists by
Cover of the book Criminal Jurisdiction over Armed Forces Abroad by
Cover of the book Darwin's Plots by
Cover of the book States and Social Revolutions by
Cover of the book The Geology of Australia by
Cover of the book Printers without Borders by
Cover of the book The Political Geography of Inequality by
Cover of the book Human Rights in Africa by
Cover of the book Oligarchy by
Cover of the book Human Rights, Democracy, and Legitimacy in a World of Disorder by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy