Le Mus�on

Re-examining Spelling and Pronunciation in Coptic

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:18:15 GMT

This case study proposes a new reconstruction of spelling and pronunciation in Coptic based on analysis of three Nag Hammadi codices. On the one hand, it argues that Coptic obstruents undergo intervocalic and post-nasal allophonic voicing. On the other hand, it argues that a restricted alphabetic inventory, two spelling rules, and a social practice of affected pronunciation of words recognizably borrowed from Greek disguise this allophonic voicing. Five converging lines of evidence are presented; although the unexpected spellings and orthographic conventions discussed are likely familiar, their significance is re-interpreted in light of the systematic collection of unexpected spellings and knowledge about other languages that lack phonemic voicing. Overall, the proposed reconstruction of spelling and pronunciation is generalizable to the degree that other dialects of Coptic resemble those dialects found in the three Nag Hammadi codices under examination. Additionally, a research agenda pursuing similar issues that stem from this reconstruction is proposed.

The Kiss and the Earnest

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:20:51 GMT

The Syro-Roman Lawbook, written in Greek and translated to Syriac at the end of the fifth century, is perceived as one of the early representatives of Roman influence on Syriac Christianity. However, tracing the roots of two customs documented in this composition shows earlier influence of Roman law in the Christian east. According to the Syro-Roman Lawbook, a kiss and earnest are both given during the process of betrothal in order to strengthen its validity. Even though both customs are well attested in Roman law and Latin Christian sources, they are also found in non-legal Greek writings as early as the third century, and non-legal Syriac writings as early as the fourth century. These findings show that the influence of Roman law on the Christian east in general and the Syrian east in particular, is not only earlier than thought but also more profound. The non-legal sources show that these legislations were neither introduced to Syriac Christians through the Syro-Roman Lawbook, nor imposed as new legislations, but rather were known and practiced by the fourth century if not earlier.

Go�avank', un complexe monastique au regards des sources litt�raires et �pigraphiques

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:25:23 GMT

Following a brief presentation of various phases in the development of Armenian monasticism, the article focuses on the Gošavank� (or Nor Getik) complex which was founded by the famous Armenian lawyer and theologian, Mxit�ar Goš, during the renewal period in Northern Armenia under the Zak�arē and Iwanē brothers� government. This study is based on literary sources, notably with the important chapter by Kirakos Ganjakec�i devoted to the monastery; it is also based on epigraphic sources with 111 inscriptions found on one or the other of the monastic complex buildings and published in Corpus des inscriptions arm�niennes. After they are crossed with one another, these documents allow to identify the various site benefactors and to establish the list of the various families of 'patrons', a term used from the 13th century to designate church builders and monastery benefactors. Finally, these sources help make notes on the spiritual and intellectual life in Gošavank�, in particular by studying the inscriptions of donations which give some information on piety. This brief study is followed by the text, translation and commentary of 21 among the most significant inscriptions.

Georgien und die Georgier in den abendl�ndischen Geschichtsquellen des hohen Mittelalters

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:27:02 GMT

This study aims to enumerate and discuss the Frankish sources concerning the Georgian Kingdom and the Georgians. For Western Europe they are first mentioned in the historiography of the Latin East and in the sources connected with the Crusades and the Holy Land. But the Realm and its inhabitants do not appear in the documents under the name Georgia, but under the terms the Byzantines gave the eastern (Iberia) and western (Abasgia) parts of this Land. The sources show that the Franks appreciated them as valiant warriors and as a forward bulwark of Christianity against the infidels. During the fifth Crusade there were even hopes to win the Georgian King as an ally in the struggle for the Holy City. But Georgia sparkled also in a mythical radiance. Its King was imagined as the guardian of the Caucasian Passes, behind which Alexander the Great had enclosed the peoples of Anti-Christ, Gog and Magog. The reign of Queen Thamar and that of her daughter Rusudan evoked associations on the mythical realm of the Amazons. Although the perception of the Georgians by Western historiographers was deeply impregnated with clich�s, the merit of Latin documents is that they have handed down facts of Georgian history which are not mentioned in Georgian or other oriental sources.

Influences directes et indirectes de l'Encyclop�die des Ikhwān al-Ṣafā' dans l'Occident chr�tien

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:30:18 GMT

The discovery and subsequent research on the relatively faithful Latin translation of three of the fifty-two epistles of the Ikhwān al-Ṣafā� epistolary encyclopedia have raised the issue of the influence of this major opus of late medieval Islamic lore in the Latin West. But, if this difficult question has often been asked, few answers have been put forward. A number of clues seem to argue for minimizing the direct impact of this work in favor of an indirect influence, second, third or even fourth hand. The present article therefore intends to examine the question in more detail. In a first instance, we will consider the three Latin 'translations' currently known and assess the evidence for the presence of Rasā�il Ikhwān al-Ṣafā� in Zaragoza in the twelfth century. We will then discuss the modalities of transmission of such a scientific, philosophical and religious compilation, the use of which implies a specific mode of consultation as well as a particular readership. Finally, we will identify future research paths likely to shed more light on the subject.

Comptes rendus

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:30:41 GMT

Book reviews

Ouvrages envoy�s � la r�daction

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:31:07 GMT

Books received