Functions of Cantillation Signs
The cantillation signs serve three functions:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Syntax | They divide biblical verses into smaller units of meaning, a function which also gives them a limited but sometimes important role as a source for exegesis. This function is accomplished through the use of various conjunctive signs (which indicate that words should be connected in a single phrase) and especially a hierarchy of dividing signs of various strength which divide each verse into smaller phrases. The function of the disjunctive cantillation signs may be roughly compared to modern punctuation signs such as periods, commas, semicolons, etc. |
| Phonetics | Most of the cantillation signs indicate the specific syllable where the stress (accent) falls in the pronunciation of a word. |
| Music | The cantillation signs have musical value: reading the Hebrew Bible with cantillation becomes a musical chant, where the music itself serves as a tool to emphasise the proper accentuation and syntax (as mentioned previously). |
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—William Wordsworth (1770–1850)
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