r and s

[Sheila Watts]

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Hullo everyone,
Could anyone help me with the answer to a small question which has been
interesting me for some time?
There are alternations between r and s in different parts of the paradigm
of some Latin words (only verbs?), and these are apparent in borrowings
into English such as adhere vs. adhesive, adhesion. Now these alternations
are similar to those found as a result of the operation of Verner's Law in
words like English was - were, German war - gewesen, kiesen - kor and so
on.
Is there a link, or is this phenomenon typologically common?
Thank you,
Sheila Watts
 
_______________________________________________________
Dr Sheila Watts
Newnham College
Cambridge CB3 9DF
United Kingdom
 
phone +44 1223 335816