Linguistic typology and the reconstruction of proto-languages: A study in methodology

The questions of realism and formalism in reconstructing proto-language are examined in detail. It is suggested that a formulaic reconstruction may approach a high degree of realism. Because languages are known to operate according to a limited number of parameters which can be listed, a realistic reconstruction should fall within these parameters, i.e. belong to a specific type unless one accepts a continuing evolution of languages in violation of the principle of uniformitarianism. The reconstruction of partial type features in a proto-language implies the possibility of reconstructing further type features which comparative and internal reconstruction cannot achieve. Typology can ceteris paribus offer criteria for probability ranking of alternate reconstructions. It is a statistical procedure which can be applied to proto-languages with the understanding that a proto-language could be unique. Language structures occur on a continuum from unrestricted universality to arbitrary idiosyncrasy. The recognition of relative degree of universality allows an evaluation of the importance of typological evidence in reconstruction. Selected problems in Proto-Indo-European phonology (vowel inventory, velars, laryngeals, Glottalic Theory) and morphology (case system and the ergative; verbal categories) are described in terms of typological constraints on reconstructibility.