M devotes a lot of space to the internal accusative (pp. 140-141).
But when I looked in the JACT “Grammar and exercises” to see what they have to say about it, I found nothing. Same thing when looking in Juan Coderch’s “Classical Greek: A new Grammar”. I find that strange.
Comments?
Thanks to all.
I think this points up the difference between JACT and Mastronarde. M. aims to cover most of the Grammar of Attic Greek and so he is able to devote less space to Greek for reading. JACT concentrates on giving more text to read and therefore has to cut back on the amount of Grammar it covers. All textbook writers have to sacrifice something or their books would be unwieldily and less useful.
Coderch is a free Grammar but it too will have to sacrifice some things. He is a sole author and who knows why it doesnt appear. MWH has expressed reservations about this Grammar. I use the multi authored Cambridge Grammar and that has a one page summary of the internal accusative similar in scope to M. (M.'s treatment looks longer because he gives more examples.)
Coderch says that he has included “a) All the needed grammar: As mentioned above, without falling too short and without making the student have to go to a larger grammar to find what they need after the initial stages, but at the same time avoiding a phone book, as students want something reduced but that offers all they need to read the classical authors.” I would say that if it doesnt appear (and I couldn’t find it) its a curious omission.
Is the internal accusative important? Yes. I remember from my early days of Greek the surprise that the Greeks “prayed prayers” etc. It was quickly and simply explained. If in doubt look at a proper Grammar or consult M.
Also, differences in terminology or terminology used inconsistently. For example, Smyth has “internal Object” and “Cognate Accusative.” Some of those grammars may discuss it using that different terminology.