Introduction to the Semitic Languages: Text Specimens and Grammatical Sketches

by Gotthelf Bergsträsser, Peter T. Daniels (Translator)

Gotthelf Bergstrasser (1886–1933) was one of the great Semitic linguists and philologists. This small volume encapsulates his learning, and every page yields concise statements of remarkable insight. He intended the book for elementary classes in Semitic linguistics, but only one familiar with the material can begin to appreciate the achievement in these brief chapters. A translation seemed called for for several It is generally agreed that Bergstrasser’s “Einfuhrung” has not been superseded, and is unlikely to be. In more than half a century, no similar work has appeared either a chrestomathy or a succinct characterization of each of the major Semitic languages that can be used in an introductory class in Semitic linguistics.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Robert Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it is a little out of date, this book benefits greatly from having been updated and annotated during translation. While the older judgmentalism and condescension are retain, so is the dependency upon existing texts instead of endless speculation about non-extant vorlage. I also benefitted from the use of notation closer to IPA.