--- In
cybalist@yahoogroups.com, Miguel Carrasquer <mcv@...> wrote:
>
> Considering the satem and the centum evidence, the first solution
(*k^ =
> /c/, *k = /k/) seems out of the question, because of the centum
facts. The
> second possibility (*k^ = /k'/, *k = /k/) is possible: centum and
satem
> both could follow from it. The third possibility (*k^ = /k/, *k
= /q/)
> also explains satem and centum (as in Wakashan), and has the
additional
> advantage of explaining /a/-colouring near *k.
I agree completely, albeit with the nuance that the stage with a
uvular value of "plain k" does not necessarily apply to the
protolanguage, but could just as well refer to a prestage after
which the uvulars have developed into plain velars. That would fully
explain the statistical imbalance observed and could also serve as
point of departure for all the branches we know.
I am pretty sure the statistical imbalance brought about by the pre-
PIE glottalic consonants lingers on in the Romance distribution of b-
, d-, g- . Now whoever would conclude from that that *Latin* had
voiceless glottalics instead of b-, d-, g- would be wrong.
Jens