Comments on Proto-Uralic Etymology: Derivations and Lexemes Cover Image

Comments on Proto-Uralic Etymology: Derivations and Lexemes
Comments on Proto-Uralic Etymology: Derivations and Lexemes

Author(s): Patrick O’Rourke
Subject(s): Lexis, Historical Linguistics, Finno-Ugrian studies
Published by: Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus
Keywords: Proto-Uralic; Proto-Finnic; historical linguistics; derivation; ­etymology;

Summary/Abstract: This article consists of two sections: in the first section, I provide additional evidence of the proposition made in Luobbal Sámmol Sámmol Ánte (Aikio) 2012 that derivational suffixes prevented the secondary lengthening of low vowels in Proto-Finnic when preceded by a single voiced consonant in an e-stem word. I will argue for this restriction by discussing the etymology of Estonian mäletama ’to ­remember’. In the second section, I suggest a new interpretation for the etymologies of Proto-Finnic *nälvä ’slobber’ and Proto-Uralic *tulka ’wing, feather’ as well as new etymologies for Finnish muikea ’sour’, muju ’smile’, muikku ’vendace (Coregonus albula)’ and muisku ’kiss’ deriving from Proto-Uralic *muja ’to become happy; happiness, smile’.

  • Issue Year: LII/2016
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 241-246
  • Page Count: 6
  • Language: English