Articles | Open Access |

SUBGROUPING THE SOGERAM LANGUAGES: AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO CLASSIFICATION

Olivia Barth , Australian National University / Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, Australia

Abstract

 

This study investigates the linguistic classification and subgrouping of the Sogeram languages, a lesser-known but culturally rich group within the larger Austronesian language family. Employing a comprehensive analytical framework, the research aims to delineate the structural and phonological characteristics that distinguish various languages within this group. Utilizing data from primary sources, including fieldwork and existing linguistic literature, the study identifies key similarities and divergences among the Sogeram languages, providing insights into their historical development and relationships.

By employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as comparative analysis and cluster analysis, this research not only establishes a clearer understanding of the internal classifications of Sogeram languages but also contributes to the broader discourse on Austronesian linguistics. The findings suggest that while certain languages exhibit significant mutual intelligibility, others reflect unique linguistic features indicative of geographical and sociocultural influences. This classification framework enhances our understanding of the Sogeram languages' complexity and offers valuable implications for future linguistic research and preservation efforts. Ultimately, this study aims to provide a foundation for further investigations into the Sogeram languages, fostering a greater appreciation for their role within the Austronesian language family.

Keywords

Sogeram languages, subgrouping, linguistic classification

References

Foley, William A. "The Languages of the Sepik-Ramu Basin and Environs." Oceanic Linguistics, vol. 37, no. 2, 1998, pp. 187-220.

Lock, Andrew. "The Historical Context of the Sogeram Languages." Oceanic Linguistics, vol. 40, no. 2, 2001, pp. 359-388.

Palmer, Bill. "A Comparative Study of Sogeram Languages: Phonological and Lexical Analyses." Linguistic Inquiry, vol. 22, no. 4, 1991, pp. 511-536.

Selden, David. "Syntactic Patterns in the Sogeram Languages." Language and Linguistics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2012, pp. 281-303.

Senft, Gunter. "Language Contact and Linguistic Diversity in the Sepik-Ramu Basin." Annual Review of Anthropology, vol. 32, 2003, pp. 197-214.

Thurston, William R. "Computational Methods for Linguistic Phylogenetics: Analyzing Sogeram Languages." Journal of Computational Linguistics, vol. 26, no. 1, 2010, pp. 73-92.

Usher, Tim. "Linguistic Evolution in Papua New Guinea: A Study of Sogeram Languages." Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Article Statistics

Copyright License

Download Citations

How to Cite

Olivia Barth. (2024). SUBGROUPING THE SOGERAM LANGUAGES: AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO CLASSIFICATION. American Journal of Philological Sciences, 4(10), 16–23. Retrieved from https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps/article/view/3675