Abstract
Evidence that resemblances between Proto-Uto-Aztecan and several non-Uto-Aztecan languages of California are due to ancient language contact, presented in a revival of the hypothesis that the Proto-Uto-Aztecan homeland included the Central Valley of California, is evaluated. Criteria for evaluation include resemblance in sound and meaning, reconstructibility, chronological and cultural coherence, conformity to expected cultural patterning, and directionality. This multi-criterial evaluation suggests that we cannot rule out the likelihood that the supposed resemblances are due to chance. It is more likely that Uto-Aztecan languages were not present in Southern California (other than in the Mojave Desert) or in the Central Valley until after the diversification of Northern Uto-Aztecan.
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