Case in Semitic

This work explores the Semitic case system through detailed analysis and typological methods, offering new insights into the development of Semitic languages.

In Case in Semitic, Professor Hasselbach presents a comprehensive reconstruction of the Semitic case system, drawing from a detailed examination of grammatical roles and relationships found in various attested Semitic languages. This work employs innovative typological methods to enhance the study of comparative Semitics, making it a significant contribution to the field. The book is designed to be accessible to both Semiticists and typologists, providing a thorough analysis that is both rigorous and engaging.

The structure of Case in Semitic is methodically organized into seven chapters, each addressing critical aspects of Semitic linguistics. The opening chapter outlines the foundational methodologies and highlights their limitations, setting the stage for deeper exploration. Subsequent chapters delve into the evidence for morphological case-marking across individual Semitic languages, contrasting conventional reconstructions of Proto-Semitic with new findings that challenge established views.

As the book progresses, it introduces essential typological concepts and examines early Semitic case alignment. It scrutinizes marking structures and patterns, illuminating the nature of the original case system. The final chapters argue against the plausibility of an ergative reconstruction for early Semitic, positing instead that its nominal system diverged significantly from later Semitic languages. Ultimately, Case in Semitic offers fresh insights into the evolution of Semitic languages and the broader Afro-Asiatic language family.