The relativity of geographic terms a re-investigation of the problem of Upper and Lower Aram

David Talshir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In different languages, or dialects of the same language spoken in different regions, words originally meaning 'above/upper' as opposed to 'below/lower' serve as terms for different cardinal directions, depending on the topographical character of the region (highland versus lowland). Thus, in the Akkadian of Nuzi elēnu (literally 'above') indicates 'East', while in the Aramaic of the Mandaeans mulia 'upper' means 'North'. Considering the topography of Egypt and Syria and the broad context in which the terms occur, two conclusions follow: (1) In Egyptian Aramaic 'lyh (literally 'upper') indicates 'South', and thcombining dot belowtyh (literally 'lower') indicates 'North'. (2) 'ly 'rm = αcombining comma abovecombining acute accentνω Συρcombining acute accentια = Southern Syria (Lebanon Mountains), and thcombining dot belowt 'rm = καcombining acute accentτω Συρcombining acute accentια = Northern Syria ('anscombining dot belowariyā and Antioch).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)259-285
Number of pages27
JournalJournal of Semitic Studies
Volume48
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • Language and Linguistics
  • History
  • Religious studies
  • Linguistics and Language
  • Literature and Literary Theory

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