Abstract: | A discussion of some of the problems related to the methodology of language comparison and to the concept of 'genetic relationship', with special reference to the problem of 'genetic relationship' among the Nilotic and Nilo-Hamitic languages. Examined are hypotheses put forward by Tucker, Bryan, Huntingford, Hohenberger and Greenberg. Parts of the article; Introduction - The term 'Nilotic' - The term 'Nilo-Hamitic' - Methods of discovering genetic relationships - Models for describing genetic relationship - The 'Nilo-Hamitic' controversy - Conclusion. Notes, ref. |