Comparative reconstruction

Using information from these sets of cognates, we can embark on a procedure called comparative reconstruction. The aim of this procedure is to reconstruct what must have been the original or “proto” form in the common ancestral language. In carrying out this procedure, those working on the history of languages operate on the basis of some general principles, two of which are presented here.

The majority principle is very straightforward. If, in a cognate set, three words begin with a [p] sound and one word begins with a [b] sound, then our best guess is that the majority have retained the original sound (i.e. [p]).

The most natural development principle is based on the fact that certain types of sound change are very common whereas others are extremely unlikely. The direction of change described in each case (1)–(4) has been commonly observed, but the reverse has not.

(1) Final vowels often disappear (vino → vin)

(2) Voiceless sounds become voiced, typically between vowels (muta → muda)

(3) Stops become fricatives (ripa → riva)

(4) Consonants become voiceless at the end of words (rizu → ris)