Dear List Members,
I've been wondering if Hittite <alakšanduš> is a loanword from Greek <aleksandros> (rather than an independent Anatolian formation). Since the Greek word appears to have a transparent etymology, I suppose this conclusion is quite likely. Moreover, if the Greek word has an <H2l-> onset, shouldn't we expect <h-> in the Hittite word? Or is the laryngeal lost in initial clusters like that in Anatolian? As I don't have any books on Anatolian, I would be very thankful for any advice concerning this issue.
With the best regards,
Mirka