Linguistic Terms in Phrynichus’ Ecloga

Abstract

The 2nd century Atticist lexicographer Phrynichus was no stranger to linguistic terminology. His famous Ecloga includes many linguistic terms, mainly covering the areas of phonology and morphology. The number of syntax- and semantics-related terms is comparatively small. This is line with the development of the ancient Greek linguistic thought: the most influential ancient Greek grammar by Dionysius Thrax focused on phonology and morphology. Still, since Phrynichus was a near contemporary of Apollonius Dyscole, who wrote an extensive and influential treatise on syntax, it is somewhat surprising to find only the most basic syntactic vocabulary. Compared to other Atticist lexica, in his use of linguistic terms Phrynichus is closest to the Philetairos.

Keywords

• phrynichus
• greek lexicography
• atticism
• ancient greek and latin grammarians