NON-CONNECTIVE BEHAVIOUR OF THE PARTICLE –QE IN THE LINEAR B DOCUMENTS FROM PYLOS

Abstract

This paper examines the non-connective behaviour of the particle -qe on Linear B administrative documents. In Mycenaean
-qe usually performs a connective function as a coordinating particle. However, in a number of instances on Pylos documents
its behaviour cannot be interpreted as connective. By examining the occurrences of the particle in those contexts where it is
understood to perform a non-connecting function and by assessing the interpretations so far advanced to account for such
idiosyncratic behaviour, this paper offers an alternative explanation of this peculiar usage of the particle -qe, viewed against the
administrative backdrop of information management (recording and retrieval) and storage.