"lumpers"

[Hans Holm]

[ Moderator's note:
  The following quotes from my own posting to this list dated 6 Apr 2000
  with the same Subject: header.
  --rma ]

Dear Rich,

I just had a personal discussion in the totally opposite direction, where
I was attacked for bringing some arguments in favour of the 'lumpers'.

But one must admit that they are not too correct with most of their
'pseudo-cognates'.

MAI>He clearly is an excellent linguist with a strong grasp of the
MAI>methodologies of historical linguistics.

What is doubted by all 'neogrammarian' splitters - and there are many in
this list! But they seldom attack directly, you have to read it 'between
the lines' or in publications.

MAI>I would not even rule out a work associated with Mr. Ruhlen without
MAI>at least a cursory examination.  I daresay most list members are as
MAI>tolerant as I...

That is simply a question of regular sound shifts. And the splitters agree
that no one can rely on Ruhlen in this point, because they are too
superficially attested.

My personal position is between both: we need both, but must e aware of
the underlying assumptions.

Regards
Hans J. Holm
D-30629 Hannover