Re: Gal 2:6 PROSWPON QEOS ANQRWPOU OU LAMBANEI: PROSWPOS and

Stephen C. Carlson (scarlson@washdc.mindspring.com)
Tue, 24 Sep 1996 14:22:35 -0400

At 12:00 9/24/96 -0500, Carl W. Conrad wrote:
>Actually, the Latin usage derives from the Greek, and PERSONA does
>originally serve as a translation of PROSWPON in that original sense of
>"mask" (although the Greek word focuses on what the spectator SEES, while
>the Latin word focuses on what the actor SPEAKS THROUGH. In Greek, TA TOU
>DRAMATOS PROSWPA = Latin DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Carl,

I had always thought that Latin PERSONA (with a long O) came from
Etruscan PHERSU, "mask," rather than Latin PERSONARE (with a short
O). It is possible, however, that the Etruscan word was borrowed
from the Greek PROSWPON. About ten years ago, I was intensely
interested in the Etruscan language until I hit a brick wall: a
massive tome on the subject written in German. Maybe one of these
years I'll get to learn German and give old Pfiffig another try.

Stephen

--
Stephen C. Carlson                   : Poetry speaks of aspirations,
scarlson@mindspring.com              : and songs chant the words.
http://www.mindspring.com/~scarlson/ :               -- Shujing 2.35