On Varro’s and Cicero’s spelling and pronunciation: A clarification

Abstract

Abstract After taking into account the points stressed by Dr. Biddau, I will show that he misinterpreted Varro, Ling. 9.80 and Cic. De orat. 45–46, two basic references of his discussion, and that he did not consider Cicero’s whole passage. On the other hand, he did not focus on the epigraphic situation at all, as it has been described recently by Adams (2007. The regional diversification of Latin 200 BC–AD 600. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.). Therefore, I reject as substantially ungrounded his criticism.