Issues in the Reconstruction and Affiliation of Proto-Miao-Yao
Author(s):
Ostapirat, Weera
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Language And Linguistics, Volume 17, Issue 1 (2016). pp. 133-145.
Language:
English
Abstract:
In this paper, I present a new look at the phonological reconstruction of Proto-Miao-Yao (PMY). Particular attention is devoted to the outstanding problems concerning the reconstruction of initial consonants and clusters. A reconstruction of PMY's velarized feature is proposed as a key to understanding the complex development in modern dialects. Based on the new reconstruction system, I discuss the viability of some proposed lexical items shared between Miao-Yao and Chinese. A modest goal is to place long-range comparisons on firmer ground, based on established sound correspondences.