Page 1 of 1

My view of linguistics

Posted: 14 Feb 2018 01:13
by Shemtov
I understand if this post gets deleted, as it's heavily Religion based, but I think my view needs explanation for further interaction with me.
I am an Orthodox Jew, and I believe in Babel text as the word of G-d. However, this is a very different view then the Christian one. Basically, pre-Babel, their we're two languages, Hebrew, used only for sacred purpose, and"Aramaic", which really was what linguists call Proto-Semitic. The latter was G-D's way of corrupting the language of creation, Hebrew, so it wouldn't be used as a vulgar tongue. After Babel, the world divided into many proto-languages, that had split into 70 by the time of Moses. Afro-Asiatic does not exist, as not only is Semitic a root family, but so are Egyptian (Mitzri) and Berber (Ludi?). It is possible that Cushitic, Omotic and Chadic, are one North-African family, but whatever the case, I admit to an Afro-Asiatic sprachbund.

Re: My view of linguistics

Posted: 16 Feb 2018 02:58
by Salmoneus
I think the important thing to note here is that none of this is true.

Re: My view of linguistics

Posted: 16 Feb 2018 03:07
by Parlox
Salmoneus wrote: 16 Feb 2018 02:58 I think the important thing to note here is that none of this is true.
I agree.

Re: My view of linguistics

Posted: 16 Feb 2018 05:15
by Shemtov
Salmoneus wrote: 16 Feb 2018 02:58 I think the important thing to note here is that none of this is true.
I only posted it so people would understand why I tend not to talk about Diachronic Semitic or Afroasiatic, or why I refer to Afroasiatic as "So-called Afroasiatic".

Re: My view of linguistics

Posted: 16 Feb 2018 06:11
by Ahzoh
I don't how one can study so much about linguistics and how languages change over time but still believe the Babel story, let alone believe a descendant was around at the time of its ancient ancestor.

I guess this is what happens when belief supersedes reason.

Re: My view of linguistics

Posted: 16 Feb 2018 12:52
by Xonen
Locking this thread before it degenerates into a full-blown flamewar.

Shemtov, if your religion forbids you from discussing a subject without violating the "controversial or extraordinary claims" part of the house rules, then I suggest you refrain from discussing such subjects on this board.

Everyone, I suggest you refrain from entering discussions with people on subjects where said people have announced that their views are based on religion. That tends to be the point where the possibility for civil, rational discussion flies out the window.

Re: My view of linguistics

Posted: 16 Feb 2018 19:15
by Xonen
Right, Shemtov sent me a PM explaining that it's not all of historical linguistics he rejects, just Afro-Asiatic. I still think a literal interpretation of the Babel text leads to problems with time frames, if nothing else, but I'll admit avoiding all of historical linguistics is going too far. I've edited my previous post.