The Semitic Negative With Special Reference to the Negative in Hebrew Classic Reprint

Excerpt from The Semitic Negative: With Special Reference to the Negative in Hebrew

Forms for the expression of the negative idea are found in every language. There is probably no negative idea that could not be expressed by some affirmative but circumlocutory formula; but the negative particle serves the purpose both of convenience and force, and in some forms is as old as language itself. It is, in fact, a necessity, and as language grows, the primitive negative differentiates or new forms are found to express new and different shades or degrees of force in the negative idea. Tracing this development historically we find its first expression in gesture, in which form it is found even before language begins, as may be noted in the development of the individual human being, is seen in the animal, and may be inferred for the human race if the theory of evolution be accepted. The kicking and balking of a horse, the growl of the dog when you approach to take from him his mutton-bone are emphatic expressions of dissent. The first is gesture pure and simple, like the shrug of the shoulder or the shake of the head in man. The growl of the dog might be called a vocal gesture, and is a second stage in the development of negative expression, a step toward a vocabulary which man in articulate language has carried to completion.'

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