Abstract
ABSTRACTGreenberg (1987a) argues, on the basis of his technique of multilateral comparison, for a classification of New World languages into three groups, including the ‘superfamily’ Amerind. Greenberg and his collaborators defend this classification using linguistic, genetic and archaeological evidence. In this paper, we assess the validity of all three types of evidence, and pursue the consequences of our assessment for multilateral comparison, for Greenberg's tripartite classification, and for the unity of the ‘Amerind’ phylum. We aim to show that the external evidence Greenberg cites is either not truly independent, or does not strongly support his conclusions, and that his linguistic methodology is both unreliable and statistically intractable. The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason. (T. S. Eliot: Murder in the Cathedral)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.