Beekes is of the opinion that the PIE consonants usually
rendered [b], [d], [ǵ], [g], and [gʷ] are actually glottalized (the actual
transcription done here is reproduced from Beekes' book).
In Section 11.4.8 (p. 132), he states he agrees in part with
Gamkredlidze and Ivanov as well as Hopper. On reading this section, I am a
little confused, mostly by the transcription, but also by the text.
My assumption is that Beekes is saying all of the
above-mentioned consonants were actually preglottalized. In trying out this
combination of glottal+[b] I get the idea that the two 'articulatory gestures'
may actually have been essentially simultaneous. The result is odd to say the
least. You get a rather strong gust of air once you open your lips, and for
myself, nasalization is difficult to avoid. Yes, if he's correct, his comment
about fortis and lenis is right on.
I don't quite know how to formulate my question. Szymeryni has
different ideas than Beekes, especially about the value of the laryngeals. Then
there is Beekes' ex cathedra statement about the non-existence of PIE [a].
I don't know what to think. Am I supposed to take all this seriously? Sz.
comments someplace that this would make Germanic and Armenian *extravagantly*
archaic and apparently turns the Grimm-Verner laws inside out with respect to
the rest of IE.
This is difficult stuff.