Indo-European Language Roots
Some of us read dictionaries for fun. Some of us are intrigued by the commonalities in the myths and music of Ireland and India. Some of us enjoy learning new languages and exploring their interrelationships.
But most of us are especially absorbed with the mystery of who we are and where we came from -- a mystery that can be researched from many standpoints - linguistics, archeology, mythology, religion, and, now, genetics.
Almost all the European languages (exception: Basque and, possibly, ancient Pict), along with Persian, Sanskrit and their daughter languages, have common roots and comprise the Indo-European language family tree.
Scholars are attempting to trace these languages back to a common proto-Indo-European and thereby place the origin of the people groups speaking these languages. Since the linguistic and archeological records are sometimes in conflict, this is a lively field of debate.
The addition of DNA testing in tracing genetic roots has only complicated the issue and made it all the more interesting.
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In
Search of the Indo-Europeans: Language, Archaeology,
and Myth by J. P. Mallory Detailed, well-balanced introduction to the history of the Indo-European peoples - tracing their roots from the early proto-Indo-European language and their diaspora through the archeological record. |
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Comparative
Indo-European Linguistics: An Introduction by Robert S.P. Beekes First, the author introduces the languages in the Indo-European family, then discusses how language changes and how these changes can be used to trace the development of the Indo-European languages and their relationships. Lots of references - lists, maps, illustrations, etc. Perhaps not for beginners. |
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The
American Heritage Dictionary of Indo-European Roots
(2nd Edition) edited by Calvert Watkins A must-have resource for exploring the Indo-European roots of the English language (over 13,000 English words are traced). Also includes a lively and informative introduction on reconstructing proto-Indo-European and the origins of Indo-European culture. Recommended. |
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The
Origins of English Words: A Discursive Dictionary of
Indo-European Roots by Joseph Twadell Shipley Delightful discourses on the roots and history of English words - great fun to read, and terrific as a reference. Accessible and invaluable for anyone who enjoys learning the etymology of our language. |
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Indo-European
Language and Culture: An Introduction by Benjamin W., IV Fortson "A comprehensive overview of comparative Indo-European linguistics and the branches of the Indo-European langage family, covering both linguistic and cultural material. The book opens by introducing the comparative method of linguistic reconstruction and discussing the culture and homeland of the Indo-Europeans. There follow thorough overviews of the phonology, morphology, and syntax of reconstructed Proto-Indo-European. Each branch's development from ancient to modern times is outlined [along with illustrative samples and translations]." - back cover. A good introductory textbook meant for undergraduate students. |
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A
Dictionary of Selected Synonyms in the Principal Indo-European
Languages: A Contribution to the History of Ideas by Carl Darling Buck The title is scarier than the book! Professor Buck groups words by topic (like in a thesaurus), then lists the words as they appear in the various Indo-European languages, followed by an interesting discussion of how they were chosen and have evolved. Terrific for comparing the words used by different peoples. |
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The
Origin of Language: Tracing the Evolution of the Mother
Tongue by Merritt Ruhlen Without any prior background in languages (other than English), the author teaches you how to classify languages and construct a language family tree. A hands-on guide to beginning linguistics. Controversial book, as the author supports a Proto-World language thesis. I'm not in the know, but assume this means he believes in just one original language for everyone. |
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A
History of Pagan Europe by Prudence Jones, Nigel Pennick A little off-topic, but included here because the authors provide a thorough and scholarly discussion of the ancient beliefs of all the European peoples (eg, Greek, Roman, Slavic, Germanic, Celt), which is helpful in tracing common motifs and myths - a fascinating subject in itself, and combined with linguistic studies, confirmation of the persistence of belief and symbol from most ancient times. |
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How
to Kill a Dragon: Aspects of Indo-European Poetics by Calvert Watkins A masterpiece in literature and linguistics, Watkins traces the roots of the dragon-slayer/divine hero myths throughout the Indo-European world and establishes the unifying role of poet in the Indo-European peoples. A wonderful accomplishment, a delight to read. |
For a rather extensive set of articles on the indo-European languages, including some comparative word trees, you might want to visit Knowing Words in Indo-European.
