[B-Greek] interlinears

CTCE jfs at jfsanders.com
Wed Dec 20 06:24:29 EST 2006


Carl W. Conrad wrote:

FWNH BOWNTOS EN THi ERHMWi (MHDE TOU BAPTISTOU):

There are some topics that recur on this list on a regular basis ad  
nauseam. One of them is the "right" pronunciation of Biblical Greek,  
another is the utility of interlinears and/or parsing guides. I  
really think those who have been reading B-Greek posts for a few  
months know very well just who thinks what about these issues. I have  
my own opinions about them that I have expressed in the past, and  
it's occurred to me that one might even compose a "stationery"  
message on one of these topics and send it when the occasion arises  
anew. But I won't.  What I haven't seen in these recurrent threads is  
any indication that anybody's convictions regarding these matters  
have been changed by the kinds of arguments adduced for one side or  
another of them.

Dr. Conrad,

I think you misunderstand the response of the true-believers.  They are not out to convert the true-believers of the other camp, rather they are attempting to sell their model to the un-committed, the inquirer.  

In pronunciation, there are three models: the COIN KNEE, the KEY KNEE, and the BUTH modified KEY KNEE.  The responders are barkers, attempting to show why their model is better, etc.

I do not have much to say about interlinears, for us beginners the "old man" isn't around, he will not take off the training wheels.  Changing my metaphor, if one has the where-with-all, the self-discipline to strengthen your muscles, then use the crutch and when you are strong enough, get up and through that crutch away.  But if you do not have that grit and you think you will become addicted to the crutch, then don't use it.

These questions will not go away, at least I think we would hope they do not go away, because they come from individuals who are interested in learning the language, they want to know how to being.  If you do not want to take up space in this area, then set up a show room, another section where those who have an opinion can set up the displays, their reasons for using this model or that model.  Then when someone inquires, you can direct them to that show room, where they can browse and choose at there leisure.

John Sanders
Suzhou, China




More information about the B-Greek mailing list