The discovery of sound laws by comparing attested languages is the method which has unlocked the history of European languages stretching back thousands of years before the appearance of written records, e.g. Latin p- corresponds to English f- (pes, foot; primus, first; plenus, full). Although Burmese, Chinese, and Tibetan have long been regarded as related, the systematic exploration of their shared history has never before been attempted. Tracing the history of these three languages using just such sound laws, this book sheds light on the prehistoric language from which they descend. Written for readers with little linguistic knowledge of these languages, but fully explicit and copiously indexed for the specialist, this work will serve as the bedrock for future progress in the study of these languages.
‘The depth and breadth of Hill’s knowledge are impressive. The clarity of his explanations, the comprehensiveness of his data, the rigor of his methodological application, and the explicit exposition of his assumptions and conclusions make the book an invaluable addition to the field, both for experts and outsiders.’
Zev Handel Source: Journal of the American Oriental Society
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