On the Origin and Inherent Meaning of the L-Stem
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Abstract
Verbs in the Semitic languages are unique amongst the corpus of languages, in that they have the ability to express different actions by inserting a three or four letter root into a certain pattern. Moreover, various aspects of a given action, such as those containing an iterative or causative sense, are shown through changes in verbal patterns from the basic verb to the derived forms. As such, there are many forms across the Semitic languages that comprise distinct meanings endemic to each pattern. Though most of these forms are well documented by many linguists, they sharply disagree as to the origin and core meaning of the L-Stem (lengthened stem). In order to wade through this controversy, I plan first to narrow the field of languages that utilize the L-Stem, so as to tell which of them necessitate further study. Then, a summary of the opinions debating the true origin and meaning of the L-Stem will be presented, along with my thoughts stating that the verb form is indeed derived from the basic verb. Lastly, through analysis of samples taken from classical texts, I can then determine that the contextual meaning of the L-Stem connotes actions that directly affect another person.
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