/hadi-^(ti)/, (“LOQUI”)ha-ti-

This lexeme is attested seven times in inscriptions from Assur and Tabal dating to the late 8^th century BCE.

[A.P.]

[A.P.]

The verb is a mainstay of HLuw. letters, where it usually occurs at the end of the introductory clause and thus constitutes the delimiter after which the actual content of the letter begins. A typical phrasing is: ‘Say to X: Y speaks/declares: …’. Melchert 1988b:240f. notes that the verb does not constitute a basic level term in the way of HLuw. /assazza-/ ‘to say, speak’, but instead denotes a more intense action, suggesting ‘to declare, solemnly pronounce’ suitable for the introductory clause of a letter. In one instance, the verb occurs again later in a letter, viz. at KIRŞEHİR, §13: kwa/i-ti-ha-wa/i-za (LOQUI)ha+ra/i-i-sà, approx. /kwadi=ha=wa=anz hadisa/, meaning ‘and as you declared: (Sakwasani is also at your place)’ (cf. Akdoğan & Hawkins 2010a:4, 8).

Outdated is the suggestion ‘to write, strike’ by Lehrman 1998a:172f.

[AH.B.]

This verb most likely belongs to the class in /-i-^(ti)/ and represents a deradical formation, cf. Melchert 1988b:240f., Sasseville 2021a:131f. Theoretically, an alternative stem formation with /-i(ya)-^(di)/ could be considered, however, the attested forms show no rhotacism whatsoever for the ending, even when the root dental is rhotacised. Therefore, the endings can be assumed to be unlenited, which strongly points towards a stem in /-i-^(ti)/.

[AH.B.]

1. /hadinu(wa)-⁽ⁱ⁾/

2. /hadid-/

For an Indo-European etymology, see Melchert 1988b:240f.

[AH.B.]