LL-L "Etymology" 2004.12.30 (02) [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 30.DEC.2004 (02) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian B=Brabantish D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian
L=Limburgish LS=Lowlands Saxon (Low German) N=Northumbrian
S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic V=(West)Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
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Onderwerp: 'etymology_white'
Van: "Carl Witzel" <cwitzjr at msn.com>


Hi Ron,

I would like to start a new discussion about the possible similarities
between the IE words _white_ and _wit_ (wise).

The Oxford English dictionary only begins to approach a possible overlap
in meaning or etymology in the two words.  Yet in my studies, I see
often either a confusion or a duality in the two words during different
periods.  Perhaps in early pre-IE there is a closer connection that
carries through almost unconsciously today?

_wit_: Indo-Eur. _woid-_, _weid-_, _wid-_; 'to see'.  OFris. wita, wêt,
*wast, *witon, witen and witath, wiste; (M)LG. wit,

_white_: Indo-Eur. *kwidnos, *kwitnos; 'to be white, bright';  OFris.
hwitt; (M)Du., (M)LG. wit (-tt-):—*vwittaz.

Do I see the Indo-Eur word for 'to see': _wid_ within the Indo-Eur word
for 'white': _kwidnos_?

In English, the word bright is found in common to both.  In (M )Du., and
(M )LG., the word is the same, though one is a noun and the other an
adverb.  And the conjugations seam too magically mimic each other on
many occasions, almost as if the language is fighting to keep them apart
and distinguishable despite their desire to be the same word.

Certainly there are many words that appear alike, but are not.  Yet,
white= pure, bright, and wit = wisdom, bright.  They both tend to imply
totality, fullness.

I'd like to hear if anyone has ever studied these two words and arrived
at any conclusions.

Thanks in advance.

Best Regards;

Carl


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