Re: [tied] Latin diphtongs

From: P&G
Message: 25123
Date: 2003-08-16

> Okay, I did ask this once before but wasn't clear on the response I got,

I wrote what I thought was a clear response for you, detailing the various
possibilites. I can't be bothered checking the archives to find it, but
it's there if you want to hunt.

> regarding the Latin diphtong ui:

Some words (e.g. cui) can scan as two short syllables [so short /u/ + short
/i/] or as a single heavy syllable, made up of a diphthong.

Some words (e.g. uis ) have consonantal u (/w/) followed by short or long i.

Some words (e.g. qui) have a written u as a sign of labialisation of the
preceding /k/, followed by short or long i.

Some words (e.g. cuius) have short u followed by double consonant /jj/.

Your question asked if we ever got /u:/ + /i:/. The answer is no.

>regarding the Latin diphtong eu:

This diphthong is found in very few native Latin words (neu, seu, ceu, heus,
contracted ne-uter) but mostly in Greek words. The pronunciation was
probably short /e/ + short /u/. The pronunciation in Greek words followed
the Greek pronunciation: /eww/ before a vowel, but /eu/ before a consonant
(short /e/ + short /u/)

Both ui and eu, when diphthongal, have the second element as a glide, not
the first.

Peter