GRIMM'S LAW & VERNER'S LAW



  1. What distinguishes the Germanic language family from other I-E languages?
    1. Large number of words without apparent IE cognates.
    2. Only two tenses: present and preterit (past)
    3. Weak & strong declensions of adjectives
    4. Regular stress of the first syllable
    5. I-E vowels underwent Germanic modification
    6. I-E stops underwent the "First Sound Shift" explained by Grimm's Law


  2. Grimm's Law
    1. Jacob Grimm, 1827
    2. I-E stops gradually assumed new sounds [handout]

      3. bh --> b

      dhh --> d

      ghh --> g

      ph --> f

      th --> (theta)

      kh --> h

      bh --> p

      dh --> t

      gh --> k

  3. Verner's Law
    1. Karl Verner, 1875
    2. Intermediate step in Stage 1 shift [handout]
    1. All voiceless stops changed once:

      2. ph --> f

      th --> theta

      kh --> h

      sh --> s z

    2. If the sound was in an initial position or immediately after a stressed verb, it changed no further.
    3. Those in other positions changed to voiced spirants (b, d, g)