Re: Hebrew spelling

On Sep 11, 2004, at 3:01 PM, David H wrote:
> Hello. I would like to know which is the correct spelling for the
> word "akhshav" (now), I have seen two versions of this word, one
> spelt "ayin, kaf, shin vav" and "ayin kaf shin YOD vav", I would like
> to
> know why this extra yod is added in unvocalised spelling, because I
> have
> certainly never heard it pronounced akhshayv. Also, is there any
> specific
> rule as to when I should spell unovcalised words with an extra yod?
> Thanks
As far as i know (and i'm not an expert on 'official' Hebrew vowelless
spelling rules), both are fine, although the one with the silent _yud_
is preferable.

Generally, the _yud_ is just there to show you that the _vav_ is
consonantal and not vocalic; i.e. [3axSav] and not *[3axSu], etc.
It may be an orthographical borrowing from the _-av_ ending of plural
masculine nouns declined for 3rd person masculine singular possession,
for example _shulhhanav_ (shin (vav) lamed hhet nun *yud* vav), where
the _yud_ is silent, but written to distinguish plural _shulhhanav_
'his tables' from singular _shulhhano_ 'his table'.

Aside from _`akhshav_, you'll also find this silent _yud_ in other
words ending in consonantal _vav_, like _stav_ 'Fall/Autumn', and the
name _`Eisav_ 'Esau'.


-Stephen (Steg)
  "this early in the morning, margaret was in a daze - so with her
uncle's urn a bit too close to the coffeemaker, she literally had a cup
of joe."
      ~ 'minimum wage' by jared hindman

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