West Semitic languages

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Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The West Semitic languages are a proposed major sub-grouping of Semitic languages. The term was first coined in 1883 by Fritz Hommel.[1][2][3]

The grouping[4] supported by Semiticists like Robert Hetzron and John Huehnergard divides the Semitic language family into two branches: Eastern and Western.[5]

The West Semitic languages consist of the clearly defined sub-groups: Arabic (including Maltese), Ethiopic, Modern South Arabian, Old South Arabian, and Northwest Semitic (this including Hebrew, Aramaic, and the extinct Amorite and Ugaritic languages).[5]

The East Semitic languages, meanwhile, consist of the extinct Eblaite and Akkadian languages.[6]

Ethiopic and South Arabian show particular common features, and are often grouped together as South Semitic.[5] The proper classification of Arabic with respect to other Semitic languages is debated.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". In older classifications, it is grouped with the South Semitic languages.[7] However, Hetzron and Huehnergard connect it more closely with the Northwest Semitic languages, to form Central Semitic.[5] Some Semiticists continue to argue for the older classification, based on the distinctive feature of broken plurals. Some linguists also argue that Eteocypriot was a Northwest Semitic language spoken in ancient Cyprus.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

References

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  1. The Semitic Languages: An International Handbook, Chapter V, page 425
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  3. Fritz Hommel, Die semitischen Volker und Sprachen als erster Versuch einer Encyclopadie der semitischen Sprach- und Alterthums-Wissenschaft, (1883)
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Sources

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External links

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