/uzzaKall(i)-/, u-za-ka-li-
‘(an occupation)’
- Language
- Hieroglyphic Luwian
- Grammar
- subst
- ID
- 949
1. Individual Anatolian Languages
1.1 Hieroglyphic Luwian
/uzzaKall(i)-/, u-za-ka-li-
‘(an occupation)’1.1.1Transmission
A hapax legomenon, this lexeme is attested once on one of the lead strips from Tabal, dating to the mid- or late 8th century BCE.
[AH.B.]
1.1.2Forms
| dat./loc. sg. | /uzzaKalli/ | u-za-ka-li | KULULU lead strip 2, §9 (Tabal) |
1.1.3Graphic Features
1.1.3.1Phonological Interpretation
With a single attestation and no known cognate links to the other Anatolian languages, this lexeme can be fitted only with a vague phonological interpretation. Its morphological structure is mainly unclear (see the discussion of the stem below), and only the quality of the lateral in the suffix appears reasonably certain, whereas the consonants in the preceding syllables have to be represented by cover symbols.
[AH.B.]
1.1.4Meaning
In its context in KULULU lead strip 2, §9, the lexeme takes the slot usually assumed by appositions to personal names, which often denote occupations or status: 20 OVIS-sá Isa-ta-nu-ia u-za-ka-li, i.e. /20 hawis Satanuya uzzaKalli/, ‘20 sheep to Satanu, the uzzaKall(i)-’. It is therefore reasonable to assume that /uzzaKall(i)-/ belongs to the same category, as was already noted by Meriggi & Poetto 1982a:108 (followed e.g. by Hawkins 2000a:513 and Giusfredi 2010b:169). No suggestions have so far been put forward to specify the meaning further.
[AH.B.]
1.1.5Stem
The lexeme shows a dative ending in /-i/, which rules out an a-stem. Giusfredi 2010b:169 analyses it as a formation in /-alla/i-/, i.e. originally an adjective, which was substantivized and maintained the i-mutation in its inflectional pattern. It is highly likely, though not overtly visible, that the word is a common gender noun. Nothing can be said about the morphological structure preceding the suffix /-alla/i-/ at this point.
[AH.B.]