Third International Conference of Austroasiatic Linguistics
26-28 NOVEMBER 2007, Deccan College Post-Graduate & Research Institute, Poona, India
Dr. Paul Sidwell
Director, Mon-Khmer
Languages Project,
Centre for Research in Computational Linguistics (CRCL)
Title:
Comparative Mon-Khmer Linguistics in the 20th Century:
Where From, Where To?
Abstract:
The recent (2006) publication of Shorto’s A Mon-Khmer Comparative Dictionary brings a century of scholarly endeavour to a climax. It is the ultimate link in a chain that connects the works of pioneering scholars, including Luce, Blagden, and Schmidt, to the great descriptive effervescence that the field enjoyed in the 1960s and ’70s.
It is appropriate at this juncture of the centuries that we pause to reflect on the past and future of our collective endeavor. In this paper I chart the history of comparative Mon-Khmer studies, from its foundations in philological and neogrammarian methods and principles, through the mid-20th century phase of structuralist-descriptive linguistics, to the present information-technology powered drive for language documentation.
Within this broad historical context I analyze the various strengths and weaknesses of the past century of MK comparative work, with special emphasis on Shorto’s achievement. Attention is drawn to the great outstanding problems of MK reconstruction, including sub-grouping, proto-lexicon, vocalism, and voice quality. I discuss the reasons why these problems could not be adequately addressed in the past, describe the methods we are now employing in coming to terms with them, and raise new issues we may soon dare to consider.
As the 29-year gap between this ICAAL meeting and the last readily attests, progress in Austroasiatic and Mon-Khmer linguistics has always come in fits and starts. Yet prospects are bright as we join together to apply new tools, explore more data, and enjoy the clarity of purpose gained from 20-20 hindsight in initiating a new era of collaborative effort.