LINGUIST List 5.1368

Tue 29 Nov 1994

Misc: Comparative Linguistics, Thanks

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1. , Comparative Linguistics
2. , query pronoun copy: thanks

We have been discussing the question of the supposed ceiling
on the comparative method and whether there is a connection
between support for this ceiling and opposition to, for example,
the Nostratic theory. There is another similar issue. It seems
to me that a lot of the people who are opposed, or think they
are opposed without knowing the facts, to theories like Nostratic
also seem to hold another curious position, namely, that you
cannot show the relatedness of a group of languages by exhibiting
systematic correspondences of sounds in the vocabularies of said
languages but only by exihibiting systematically related morphological
paradigms. I would be curious to see how widespread this position
(which is explicitly asserted in Johanna Nichols' book, for example)
is and if anybody knows of any reason to uphold it in the face of
the fact that lots of languages have no paradigms at all and hence,
if we took this doctrine seriously, could not be shown to belong to
any families whatsoever.

Alexis Manaster Ramer

P.S. I should perhaps clarify that by vocabulary I mean any set
of shared morphemes or words (incl. pronouns, affixes, etc.), so
long as these morphemes are just a list and not a complete paradigm.
Thus, when Sapir proved once and for all that the Uto-Aztecan
languages were related, he cited a large number of forms, inclduing
a few affixes, but no paradigms (like those familiar from Latin
or Sanskrit grammar) whatsoever.

Some weeks ago I posted a query on pronoun copy on the list. Several list
members have responded. Due to all kinds of (personal) circumstances
I have not yet had the opportunity to react on your reactions. This message
is only to say thanks to all those who responded. I will contact all of
you personally, as soon as possible, but this may still take some time.
Your reactions were very useful, THANKS!

Best wishes,

Heleen Bos