How is “ra” being used in this context." In addition, how can anyone properly define how this particular is used when there is such a division over its essential meaning? Denniston states that the most widely held view is that it denotes “connexion(consequence or mere succession).” But then he says that, even though he disagrees with Hartung’s etymology, he agrees with his assertion that "the root-meaning is ‘quickness,’ and hence ‘surprise.’
I can see how this definition works, but in this particular instance none seem to fit, and, in addition, instances where “ἦ” is used without “ara” after a speech do not seem to have any different signification. Whether one says “Accordingly he spoke,” “He spoke it seems” or “so then he spoke,” the translation seems awkward to me, and it seems to me that at least here there is virtually no meaning added by it.
You’d not be the first to accuse Homer of using particles as metrical filler. I myself am prepared to accept that Homer might use a particle where one isn’t really necessary but I expect that the particle cannot flout its fundamental significance in being so used.
The translation is awkward but that is not really the point.
The Dutch particles ‘toch’ and ‘wel’ don’t seem to add anything if I have to tranlate it into English. For instance the four following sentences I could translate the same;
“Dat weet je!”
“Dat weet je wel!”
“Dat weet je toch!”
“Dat weet je toch wel!”
The all can mean, “You know that (don’t you)!”
Placed in a context you might translate them differently. In the order I placed them there is a slight gradation from statement to retorical question but they can all four be statements and they can all four be retorical questions.My point is, it is hard to give an English gloss for a Dutch (or Greek) particle but that doesn’t mean that the meaning of the sentence hasn’t changed somewhat for the speaker of the original language.
Yes i think the Dutch speakers have a few viable options. I will also add ‘dus’, particularly as it is used colloquially. I’m in the process of teaching my wife dutch, and words like these are sooo very hard to explain.
I hope I didn’t mislead you into thinking that I have the meaning of ara all figured out. I am quite convinced that it adds to the meaning of what was said even if it is hard to convey that into English. I’m hoping to learn the answer to your question by following this thread.
I thought that “ara” indicated something that follows or is consequential, i.e. “and so,” “accordingly.” But you are saying that here it is indicating that there is no transition?
