On the comparative method, internal reconstruction, and other analytical tools for the reconstruction of the evolution of the Basque language: An assessment

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to present the state of the art in Basque historical phonology. The accomplishments and limitations of different methodologies are evaluated. These methodologies include the application of the comparative method to Basque dialects, the analysis of old borrowings in Michelena’s work, internal reconstruction, and Lakarra’s canonical root hypothesis. I also discuss the possibilities afforded by internal reconstruction and root theory for discovering genetic relationships between Basque and other languages, focusing on recent proposals.

Hypocoristic palatalization in Basque and historical applications

“…The words for "dog" and "bird" both behave the same way, which is expected given that they both currently start with [tʃ] and with the information taken from Hualde (2021). I propose **[s̻ akur] which supports and is supported by Bengston (2017) and Hualde (2022) most recently.…”

“…The second is a method of internal reconstruction. Historical work on Basque as of 2022 has gathered enough evidence to state that the affricates in Basque can all be reasonably reconstructed as fricatives (Bengston 2017, Hualde 2021.…”