Comparing Slavic and Baltic Languages: Shared Features and Unique Characteristics
The Slavic and Baltic languages, both belonging to the Indo-European language family, share several intriguing linguistic features. Scholars have extensively debated their similarities, leading to various theories and critiques. This article aims to explore these similarities while addressing the associated criticisms.
Phonetics and Phonology
One of the most notable areas of similarity between Slavic and Baltic languages is in their phonetics and phonology. One common feature is the phonological softening of consonants, a phenomenon known as palatalization. While critics argue that palatalization is a distinctive feature of Latvian, not Proto-Baltic, the uniform change of Indo-European (IE) syllabic sonants presents another similarity. However, this change is also observed in Germanic languages, which raises questions about its significance.
Problems with Shared Features
One criticism involves Pedersen’s law, which states that the sound s after r ui transformed to x kh in both Baltic and Slavic languages. Critics note that similar changes occur in Indo-Iranian, Armenian, and Albanian languages, making it difficult to attribute this to a shared Proto-Baltic feature.
The reconstructed phonological system of Old Prussian is often compared to that of Proto-Slavic. Critics highlight the resemblance to the almost identical sonants of Proto-Germanic, suggesting that the shared features might be related to this language family rather than Baltic or Slavic origins.
The softening of Slavic palatal consonants may have counterparts in Baltic languages, indicating a shared phenomenon. Critics argue, however, that the development of Proto-Indo-European (IE) palatal consonants differed in Proto-Baltic and Proto-Slavic, making it anachronistic to identify a shared feature.
Prosody and Accentology
Across both language families, some prosodic and accentological features are shared. Critics, however, dispute the concept of “accentology of paradigms,” pointing out that the relationship between the accent type of a derivative and the root morpheme intonation is determined by word formation patterns and other linguistic factors. Many of the features mentioned are also present in Sanskrit, Greek, and Celto-Italic languages, leading to the conclusion that both proto-languages might have retained the accent and intonation system of late IE.
Morphology and Syntax
Some critics highlight differences in morphology and syntax between the two language families. For instance, pronominal adjectives are formed differently in Baltic and Slavic languages, with an analog in Indo-Iranian languages. Similarly, the change to the io stem in participle forms is a later development in Baltic, and the o stem singular genitive ending is found in Dacian and Thracian, not in Old Prussian.
A higher degree of derivation in Slavic, but not in Latvian, is another point of contention. The first person pronoun men- is a singular genitive and accusative inflection in Baltic but only in Slavic. The pronouns tos/tā have their counterparts in Germanic languages, while the conjugation of athematic verbs in Baltic and Slavic forms differ.
Verb Suffixes and Case Usage
The instrumental case usage in nominal predicates is another area where critics suggest Baltic languages may have been influenced by Finnic languages. The present tense stems with -ē- and -ā- are also observed in Italic languages, and the verb suffixes in Lithuanian -áuj- and Slavic -uj- are similar but not identical in Latvian.
Lexicology and Semantics
Over 200 common basal words are shared between Slavic and Baltic languages, though critics argue that many of these words may be independently preserved archaisms from Proto-IE or the result of intensive cultural contacts between Balts and Slavs. Some words are specific to either Baltic or Slavic languages, adding complexity to the linguistic landscape.
In conclusion, while Slavic and Baltic languages share certain linguistic features, the complexities of their origins and developments necessitate a nuanced approach. Scholars continue to explore the shared and unique traits of these languages, contributing to our understanding of the broader Indo-European family.