Australian languages : classification and the comparative method

Author(s)

• International Conference on Historical Linguistics
• Bowern, Claire
• Koch, Harold James

Bibliographic Information

Australian languages : classification and the comparative method

edited by Claire Bowern, Harold Koch

（Amsterdam studies in the theory and history of linguistic science, ser. 4 . Current issues in linguistic theory ; v. 249）

J. Benjamins, c2004

• : Eur
• : hbk. : US

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [341]-364) and indexes

1 computer laser optical disc in pocket (4 3/4 in.)

Description and Table of Contents

Description

This book addresses controversial issues in the application of the comparative method to the languages of Australia which have recently come to international prominence. Are these languages 'different' in ways that challenge the fundamental assumptions of historical linguistics? Can subgrouping be successfully undertaken using the Comparative Method? Is the genetic construct of a far-flung 'Pama-Nyungan' language family supportable by classic methods of reconstruction? Contrary to increasingly established views of the Australian scene, this book makes a major contribution to the demonstration that traditional methods can indeed be applied to these languages. These studies, introduced by chapters on subgrouping methodology and the history of Australian linguistic classification, rigorously apply the comparative method to establishing subgroups among Australian languages and justifying the phonology of Proto-Pama-Nyungan. Individual chapters can profitably be read either for their contribution to Australian linguistic prehistory or as case studies in the application of the comparative method.

Table of Contents

• 1. Acknowledgements
• 2. Map
• 3. Contributor's addresses
• 4. Foreword (by Campbell, Lyle)
• 5. Introduction: subgrouping methodology in historical linguistics (by Bowern, Claire)
• 6. A methodological history of Australian linguistic classification (by Koch, Harold)
• 7. Pama-Nyungan as a genetic entity (by Miceli, Luisa)
• 8. The coherence and distinctiveness of the Pama-Nyungan language family within the Australian linguistic phylum (by O'Grady, Geoffrey)
• 9. Pama-Nyungan: phonological reconstruction and status as a phylogenetic group (by Alpher, Barry)
• 10. The Arandic subgroup of Australian languages (by Koch, Harold)
• 11. The Ngumpin-Yapa subgroup (by McConvell, Patrick)
• 12. Thura-Yura as a subgroup (by Simpson, Jane)
• 13. The Yarli languages (by Hercus, Luise)
• 14. Evolution of the verb conjugations in the Ngarna languages (by Breen, Gavan)
• 15. The failure of the evidence of shared innovations in Cape York Peninsula (by Black, Paul)
• 16. Diagnostic similarities and differences between Nyulnyulan and neighbouring languages (by Bowern, Claire)
• 17. Revisiting Proto-Mirndi (by Green, Ian)
• 18. Stem forms and paradigm reshaping in Gunwinyguan (by Baker, Brett)
• 19. Combined references
• 20. Language index
• 21. Subject index
• 22. Appendices

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

• NCID: BA66748976
• ISBN:
  • 9027247617
  • 1588115127
• LCCN: 2004041132
• Country Code: ne
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Place of Publication: Amsterdam
• Pages/Volumes: x, 377 p.
• Size: 23 cm.
• Attached Material: 1 computer laser optical disc (4 3/4 in.)
• Classification:
  • LCC : PL7001
  • DC22 : 499/.15/012
• Subject Headings:
  • LCSH : Australian languages -- Classification -- Congresses
  • LCSH : Historical linguistics -- Congresses
• Parent Bibliography ID:
  • BA0036280X