I don't know how old this article is. I remember reading a similar article not too long ago. Still, an interesting premise.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146414167
15,000-year-old ‘ultraconserved words’?
Moderators: MichelleH, Minimalist, JPeters
- circumspice
- Posts: 1202
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 7:10 pm
15,000-year-old ‘ultraconserved words’?
"Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test." ~ Robert G. Ingersoll
"Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, and, without sneering, teach the rest to sneer." ~ Alexander Pope
"Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, and, without sneering, teach the rest to sneer." ~ Alexander Pope
Re: 15,000-year-old ‘ultraconserved words’?
I find this sort of story fascinating......I have never met anyone else who shares my curiosity (shrug.)
Regards Ernie
Re: 15,000-year-old ‘ultraconserved words’?
I find the words that have reversed their meaning a bit more interesting as it changes the meaning when reading old stuff.
The word "cleave" is an example.
As late as the 1800's it meant to be "attached to."
Today the first thing that most of think of is "cleavage" with a meaning of a separation, a crack.
Thus a current dictionary gives the first definition as “separating.”
The word "cleave" is an example.
As late as the 1800's it meant to be "attached to."
Today the first thing that most of think of is "cleavage" with a meaning of a separation, a crack.
Thus a current dictionary gives the first definition as “separating.”