The 8 Noun Rules
1. Stems ending in alpha or eta are in the first declesion, stems
ending in omicron are in the second declesion, and consonantal stems are
in the third.
2. Every neuter word has the same form in the nominative and accusative.
3. Almost all neuter words end in alpha in the nominative and accusative
plural.
- In the second declension the alpha is the changed stem vowel.
- In the third declension the alpha is the case ending.
4. In the dative singular, the iota subscripts if possible.
- Because an iota can subscript only under a vowel (in which case the vowel
lengthens), it subscripts only in the first and second declensions.
5. Vowels often change their length ("ablaut").
- Contraction occurs when two vowels meet and form a different vowel or diphthong,
e.g., λόγῳ.
- Compensatory lengthening occurs when a vowel is lengthened to compensate
for the loss of another letter, e.g., λόγους.
6. In the genitive and dative, the masculine and neuter will always be
identical.
7. The Square of Stops.
|
Unvoiced |
Voiced |
Aspirated |
| Labial |
π |
β |
φ |
| Velar |
κ |
γ |
χ |
| Dental |
τ |
δ |
θ |
Interatction with sigma and theta
|
+ σ |
+ θ |
| π β φ |
ψ |
φθ |
| κ γ χ |
ξ |
χθ |
| τ δ θ |
σ |
σθ |
8. A tau cannot stand at the end of a word and will drop off.
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