Re: PIE initial *a

----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick Ryan" <proto-language@...>
>>
>> Piotr, we all know that in -*ak^-, the 'Laryngeal' Theory supposes
> that *H2 colors -*ék^- to -*ák^-.
>>
>> My question is: does the 'Laryngeal' Theory assume that _all_ PIE
> initial
>> *a- stems from this combination only or does it regard some initial
> *a- as
>> being from an original short *a-?
>
>> Patrick
>>
>
>
> All initial a- are considered to be from h2e- due to the following
> PIE Root Constraint:
> -> a PIE Root always starts with a Non-Vocalic.
>
> Marius
>
> ***
>
> Patrick:
>
> So, Marius, if I supposed the initial were *H which had no coloring
> properties, i.e. *Hak^-, there would be no problem?
>
> ***

You should take the whole thing from the start.

*a is a rare vowel which conspicuously shows up only at the beginning of
words.
#a-
*e is a frequent vowel that appears everywhere, including at the beginning
of words.

It is therefore extremely interesting to suppose that *a is just *e preceded
by some consonant.
Let's call it H assuming that H+e = a
Because e ALSO appears at the beginning of words,
you need two H
H1e = e
H2e = a

Apart from accounting for the oddity of *a,
the next advantage of the theory is that all roots share a standard shape
(s-)C_C

The problem with your half-vocalic half laryngeal theory
with a e o as vowels and only one H
This theory does not explain why :
1. a appears mainly at the beginning of words.
2. a plays no morphological role, only e and o do.

The standard theory accounts for all these features with an overpowering
simplicity
and a minimalist set of 3 laryngeals.
It's no wonder everybody has accepted it,
It's obvious, it's simple,
It clarifies about everything nicely and elegantly.

There is no way back to vocalic theories.

Your theory is not _new_
it's the old approach to PIE

Arnaud