Long-range comparisons and word roots decay. A statistical assessment on the reliability of long-range comparisons
Long-range comparisons and word roots decay. A statistical assessment on the reliability of long-range comparisons
Author(s): Dan Marian UngureanuSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Editura Universității Aurel Vlaicu
Keywords: glottochronology; factor of chance in language comparison, historical linguistics; taxonomy.
Summary/Abstract: The article takes into discussion the reliability of long-range comparison and of linguistic comparisons generally. The article also studies the mass comparison versus the classic arborescent taxonomy. After taking into account the factor of chance in linguistic comparison, the author discusses parameters in which long-range comparison remains possible. He discusses a widespread radical for the meaning “we” in different proto-languages, and the possibility that this comparison be meaningful and falsifiable.
Journal: Journal of Humanistic and Social Studies
- Issue Year: 1/2010
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 123-141
- Page Count: 18
- Language: English