Computer simulation of Shawnee historical phonology

Muzaffar, Towhid Bin (1997) Computer simulation of Shawnee historical phonology. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (17MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to use the computer program, PHONO, to develop a computer model which operates on the principle of the regularity of sound change. Surprising though it may seem, since this concept was first coined in modern linguistics, no standard computer program has been developed which could apply cross-linguistically to simulate and study diachronic change. -- We have shown that the program may be used in the study of the Algonquian family of languages. We have developed a working model for the study of phonological change from the reconstructions of Proto-Algonquian to Shawnee. Using this Shawnee Model, we have simulated Shawnee data from reconstructed Proto-AIgonquian words and illustrated a technique to collect or search for evidence for the reconstructed forms. -- Given the nature and status of many languages of the world which are threatened with extinction, this technique may facilitate the preservation of valuable evidence for extinct prehistoric languages.

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