=be

This lexeme is found in the inscription of the inscribed pillar of Xanthos, dated contextually to shortly after the ascension of Artaxerxes II in 405-404 BCE and stylistically to around 400 BCE (Borchhardt & Eichner 1997-1999a:19f.), as well as in the poetical inscription engraved on the lion sarcophagus of Antiphellos, dated on stylistic grounds to the beginning of the 4^th century BCE (Zahle 1979a:318, Mühlbauer 2007a:91).

[D.S.]

indecl.	be	TL 44c.52 (Xanthos)
		TL 44d.17 (Xanthos)
		TL 44d.25 (Xanthos)
		TL 44d.40 (Xanthos)
		TL 44d.42 (Xanthos)
		TL 44d.43 (Xanthos)
		TL 55.5 (Antiphellos)

Despite being phonologically identical, Lyc. B =be cannot be functionally equated with Lyc. A =be (particle of direct speech) (contra Meriggi 1963a:15). The Lycian B particle be is not restricted to the clause initial particle chain. Rather, it often occurs after a noun in the middle of the sentence, giving the impression of an emphatic particle (contra Meriggi 1963a:15).

                [m]e=[pd]urade : erikle=be : trqqñti … (TL 44d.17)

                ‘Hercules (emph.) carried to the Storm-god…’

Schürr 2018b:66, 96 suggests that the particle =be could mean ‘also’. This is possible, but very difficult to prove, because the entire passage is not well understood. No function is offered by Melchert (DLL:113), and Neumann 2007a:34 does not analyze the Lycian B attestations. Although its precise function is still unclear, the particle has often been etymologically linked to CLuw. pa (adversative particle), which remains possible (Melchert 2002d:230); cf. Lyc. A =be.

[D.S.]