Re: [tied] Re: Why is PIE more centum than satem?

Could "Saita" in "Saitafarn" be the plural of "Sai"?
Could the name then mean "Farn (glory) of the Saii"?

David

----- Original Message -----
From: caraculiambro <gpiotr@...>
To: <cybalist@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 3:13 PM
Subject: [tied] Re: Why is PIE more centum than satem?


> --- In cybalist@..., george knysh <gknysh@...> wrote:
>
> > *****GK: A tack on query. An Olbian inscription of ca.
> > 200 BC mentions one "Saitafarn" ruler of the "Saii" as
> > THE monarch to whom tribute is due from the city. Did
> > a leading "K" by any chance drop off from both
> > names?*****
>
> It would have been Iranian /x/, actually (a fricative like Russian
> <x>), and I can well imagine /xs^/ being transmitted as /s/
> (though /ks/ is the normal Greek substitute). *xs^aita-farna- (with
> *f- for *xW-) 'shining/majestic (Av. <xs^aeta->) hvarna' would make
> perfect sense.
>
> Piotr