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Old 03-29-2009, 11:47 AM   #15
Fred Little
Dojo: NJIT Budokai
Location: State Line NJ/NY
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 641
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Re: Transmission, Inheritance, Emulation 12

Quote:
Steve Earle wrote: View Post
I know of no other language that comes equipped with such a complete and consciously arranged phonological map. As you well know, no language has changed more over the centuries than Japanese--first with the introduction of kango from the continent and now with the introduction of a plethora of katakana terminology. Yet phonologically, the language remains virtually unchanged--no morphing of vowels, no drifting of consonants. Really quite extraordinary.
Hello Steve,

I am always surprised when I see such assertions, for there is another language that comes to mind immediately:



For those who would like some assistance unpacking the chart, the page in which it is embedded can be found here.

But perhaps I am missing what you would regard as a critical distinction between the two.

Best,

Fred Little

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