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Grammar Traces Language Roots

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the ancestral-tongues dept.

mlewan writes "Researchers use grammar to trace relations between Papuan languages. What is interesting is not that much that they use grammar features to do this, but that they seem to have given up using vocabulary as a help."

6 of 214 comments (clear)

  1. If they want a real challenge... by TrappedByMyself · · Score: 5, Funny

    Use the same techniques to decipher Slashot headlines

    Researchers use grammar to trace relations between Papuan languages. What is interesting is not that much that they use grammar features to do this, but that they seem to have given up using vocabulary as a help.

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    Help me take back Slashdot. When did 'News for Nerds' become 'FUD and Conspiracy Theories for Extremist Nutjobs'?
  2. Re:Huh? by HugePedlar · · Score: 3, Funny

    LOL ur so rite!

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    Argh.
  3. Question by deutschemonte · · Score: 5, Funny

    Why is there a story about grammar on a site whose editors can't understand the difference between "its" and "it's"?

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    The preceding message was based on actual events. Only the names, locations and events have been changed.
    1. Re:Question by Peter+La+Casse · · Score: 2, Funny
      Why is there a story about grammar on a site whose editors can't understand the difference between "its" and "it's"?

      Perhaps they thought that the story was about actor Kelsey Grammer.

  4. Re:Unsound methodology by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    while in English the placement of the verb is much more flexible but rarely at the end of the clause. Other examples could readily be given.

    Example given, you have.

  5. Re:US grammar rotting? by demonlapin · · Score: 3, Funny
    I believe the best on this is James D. Nicoll, with:

    "The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore. We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary."