LINGUIST List 26.2605

Mon May 25 2015

Qs: Measuring the Genetic Proximity Between Languages

Editor for this issue: Anna White <awhitelinguistlist.org>


Date: 25-May-2015
From: Vincent Beaufils <beaufilsgmail.com>
Subject: Measuring the Genetic Proximity Between Languages
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I have been working several years on a computerized system which aims at quantifying the genetic proximity between languages. Most of the results seem to be consistent. A language tree classification is generated fully automatically and the obtained results will not surprise most linguists. The remarkable points are the fact that the system is 100% computer-based and that the basis is a quite limited lexical sample and sound change patterns.

I would be glad to have some feedback - especially if some of you find inconsistencies or have ideas for improvement. The study is available as a blog at: http://www.eLinguistics.net

Thank you in advance,
Vincent


Linguistic Field(s): Historical Linguistics

Page Updated: 25-May-2015