The Origin of the Settlement-Forming Suffix -eti in Romanian: A Linguistic Examination

The suffix -eti in Romanian settlement names such as Ploie?ti and Bucure?ti has long been a subject of linguistic scrutiny. Many theories have been proposed, ranging from Latin and Greek to Illyrian-Albanian origins, each providing unique insights into the rich linguistic heritage of Romania.

Introduction to the -eti Suffix

The suffix -eti in Romanian indicates a place or a geographical entity. It is found in various settlement names such as Ploie?ti, Bucure?ti, and Targovite. The term 'est' in Latin means 'to be,' but its use in Romanian is not as straightforward. The origin of -eti has been debated, with theories suggesting Latin, Slavic, Greek, and Illyrian-Albanian origins.

Linguistic Analysis of Possible Origins

Some linguists have proposed that the suffix -eti could be of Latin origin, arguing that it would make sense in contexts such as placenames. Despite the Latin influence on Romanian, other theories suggest that the -eti suffix may be related to Slavic languages, which share linguistic ties with Romanian. However, the prevalence and distinct pronunciation of the 'sh' sound in -eti suggest a possible connection to Albanian.

Link to Albanian and Illyrian Origins

The 'sh' sound is very prominent in both Albanian and Romanian, particularly in names like Ploie?ti and Bucure?ti. These names are strikingly similar to Albanian settlement names, which often end in -esh. For example, the Illyrian name 'Tergeste' has evolved into Trieste, and the Romanian name Bucharest can be seen as a place named after a person, 'Bucura.'

Proto-Albanian Influence

Further evidence of an Albanian influence can be found in the name Shtip, a city in North Macedonia. The name 'Shtip' likely indicates that Proto-Albanian was spoken in the region before the arrival of Slavs. This is supported by the fact that the Greek name 'Naissus,' corresponding to the Slavic 'Ni?,' shares similar roots with the Albanian name.

Another clue to the linguistic origins of -eti is found in the Albanian verb of being 'sht.' In Romanian, this root has transformed into 'este' through Latinization, preserving the final vowel. This process has also been observed in other places where the verb of being evolved in Romanian, such as in Aromanian where the city is also known as Shtip.

Contrary to the Proto-Slavic suffix '-ie,' the -eti suffix in Romanian and Albanian has a more general meaning and applies not just to placenames. Unlike the more generic Proto-Slavic '-ie,' the -eti suffix in Romanian linguistics exhibits a distinct phonetic evolution and usage.

The -eti suffix in Romanian settlement names remains a complex topic with multiple theories. However, the presence of the 'sh' sound and the evolution of Albanian roots in Romanian placenames provide compelling evidence that the Illyrian-Albanian language family played a significant role in shaping these names. Further research and linguistic mapping of similar suffixes in other Albanian regions could shed more light on the linguistic origins of -eti.

For a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic heritage of Romania, it is essential to explore a wide range of theories and continue the research in this exciting and evolving field.