šaltal(i)-

This lexeme is found in an oracle text.

[D.S.]

acc. sg. c.

šal-ta-˹li˺-in

KUB 18.58 ii 40’

(CTH 572, LNS)

Due to some damage traces after the sign 〈ta〉, CHD Š:107 supposes the presence of a short sign, perhaps 〈aš〉. Melchert (pers. comm.) is tempted to read šal-ta-ḫal-li-in. However, this is not supported by the photo nor by the autography. The space left between the signs 〈ta〉 and 〈li〉 is comparable to the one left between 〈šal〉 and 〈ta〉 (also noticed by CHD Š:107). Therefore, there is no reason to presuppose an additional sign. Melchert (pers. comm.) also thinks of a possible erasure for the damage traces, which would be preferable but difficult to verify, as the surface of the tablet might just be damaged.

The transliteration šal-ta-li-in follows Beckman, Bryce & Cline 2011a:238 (contra CHD Š:107, Tischler 2008a:157) and is supported by the Luwian word family of the root šalt-; see šaltinnima/i-, šaltāḫit- and šalt(i)-.

[D.S.]

No meaning has been assigned, although šaltal(i)- is surely an adjective in -āl(i)- derived from the base šalt(i)-.

[D.S.]

The Luwian origin of the Glossenkeilwort is supported by the etymological connection of the root šalt- as well as by the Luwian mutated adjectival suffix -āl(i)-.

[D.S.]