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Dotted Letters in Greek Epigraphy by W. Kendrick Pritchett is a Arts and Humanities article available to read on EtoBox.

What is Dotted Letters in Greek Epigraphy about?

IN THE INTERPRETATION of epigraphical texts, the partially preserved or indistinct letter may hold the key to the meaning of entire passages. Such letters are usually indicated nowadays by the use of a dot beneath. Since most of the stones on which inscriptions were cut are now broken or damaged, many letters are of necessity uncertain; and accordingly the use of such dots has become very general. An examination of certain problematical letters has tempted me to make a brief analysis of the whole subject of dotted letters, and to conclude that although in general there is agreement in definition, in practice there is disparity, and in some usages at least there is much danger. In the present study, I shall first briefly sketch the early history of the use of dotted letters. Second, I shall analyze the three functions of dotted letters in present-day Greek epigraphy. The third section, on which I lay the most emphasis, takes up in some detail, and with photographic illustrations, certain striking cases exemplifying two misusages of the dotted letter. Lastly, I propose measures which would help minimize the dangers arising from these misusages. In the publication of epigraphical text

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Author

W. Kendrick Pritchett

Published

1955

Language

EN

Field

Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)