JOURNAL ARTICLE

Late Malayo-Polynesian: A new model of Austronesian linguistic relations.

  • Published In: Diachronica, 2025, v. 42, n. 5. P. 646 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Smith, Alexander D. 3 of 3

Abstract

Models of higher-order Austronesian linguistic relations have traditionally involved the grouping of languages into large higher-order subgroups. In the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup, that tradition has led to the creation of subgroups covering great geographical distances all modeled as descending directly from the Malayo-Polynesian node. This research argues that the evidence for those large subgroups does not stand under scrutiny. Rather, the distribution of innovations throughout the Malayo-Polynesian region suggests that those innovations spread within a large network of dialects. That network, here dubbed the "Late-Malayo-Polynesian" network, replaces discrete higher-level nodes in the classical model of Austronesian linguistic relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Diachronica. 2025/09, Vol. 42, Issue 5, p646
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Language and Linguistics
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0176-4225
  • DOI:10.1075/dia.23062.smi
  • Accession Number:189841012
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