The Mesapic inscription on the small carparo stone slab from Mesagne, Italy, presents a fascinating exemplar of linguistic and cultural heritage, offering a unique window into the evolution of language, writing systems, and symbolic communication. The text, "KHITABROA", invites us to explore the diachronic development of language, the significance of orthography, and the power of graphemic representation. It commences with the combination of X and I, represented by the cross over the I, producing the sound KHI, a phonetic blend that resonates with the Albanian language's "ki, ky" (this) and potentially connects with the divine prefix HYI, exemplifying a linguistic phenomenon of areal diffusion.
The shape of the letters, particularly the A with an angular middle, the R with a short oblique stroke, and the S with a long upper stroke, transports us to the 3rd century BC, a period when writing was an innovative technology, showcasing a scriptural system in its infancy. The text "KHITABROA" unfolds as a protective mantra, "KHI TA BRO A", comprising a syntagma of phonemes, morphemes, and graphemes that convey a meaningful message. KHI (this, this one) TA (to) BRO (protect) A (is) The answer lies in the word "khi" (this one), "bro" (protect), a term still preserved in the Çam dialect of Albanian Language, exhibiting a linguistic feature of dialectal variation.
Linguistically, the inscription offers a unique window into the evolution of the Albanian language and its dialects, showcasing a linguistic continuum that transcends time and space. The text's grammatical structure and vocabulary reveal a blend of archaic and innovative elements, mirroring the dynamic cultural exchange in the ancient Mediterranean. Philosophically, the inscription invites us to ponder the nature of protection and safety, prompting questions about the human quest for security and the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world.
The text's "This is the one protects you" (modern meaning), becomes a reflection of our own vulnerabilities and the human quest for security, echoing the Albanian language's continued relevance in the modern world. Its ancient text continues to speak Albanian to us, whispering stories of a shared past, and inviting us to reflect on the human experience, exemplifying the power of language to transcend time and culture.
Copyright © 2024 Fatmir Iliazi.
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