Three Types of Negation. Different values of nec in Latin and in the Languages of Ancient Italy

Synchronic and diachronyc analysis of the Latin particle nec shows functional relationships with the corresponding negative particles in other languages of ancient Italy. Unlike the coordinating enclitic –que (< *-kwe), marker of the copulative coordination its coordinating compounds are oriented towards a connective function. In late Latin while the enclitic –que (< *-kwe) is desappearing under the widespreaded use of et, the particle nec increases in frequency assuming the adverbial functions of et in negative sentences. Indeed in late Latin this particle develops semantic as well syntactic values, which are clearly attested in early Latin.