Will Parsons wrote on 06 mei 2008 in alt.language.latin:
>> Then before 70 ce, a boy [or girl] in Pompei wrote on the wall:
>> "Sesar", meaning old murdered Julius.
>
> I think I would like to see a reference for that claim. A
> pronunciation of C as [s] by 70 AD sounds far too early. W. Sidney
> Allen in his "Vox Latina" states that there is no evidence of any
> "softening" of C before E or I before the 5th century AD. (And by
> "softening" is meant a departure from its original velar quality, not
> necessarily a full transition to [s].)
>
I would too. I remember having see a picture B&W in a book some 40 to 50
years ago, but you certainly should not take my word for it, other than a
reason for further search.
On the other hand, Kikero and Kaisar being the official standard
pronunciation in their days seems clear to me.
--
Evertjan.
The Netherlands.
(Please change the x'es to dots in my emailaddress)
|
