Über den umbrischen Digraph -ei- / -ei-

Abstract

The present paper deals with two orthographic features of Umbrian, the use of the digraph -ei- / -ei- and the 'geminatio uocalium'. Contrary to previous explanations, they are probably not linked with any kind of direct Roman influence. Both uses can be explained within Umbrian writing tradition, as attempts to create a historical ortho-graphy to note lost phonemes.