Comparative Kadai
Subtitle: the Tai branch
By: Jerold A. Edmondson and David B. Solnit, editors.
Contributors: Edmondson, Jerold A.; Solnit, David B.
Series: Summer Institute of Linguistics and the University of Texas at Arlington publications in linguistics ;; publication 124
Publisher: Summer Institute of Linguistics; University of Texas at Arlington; Sil International, Global Publishing
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Dallas, TX; [Arlington]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 382
Subjects: Kadai languages.; Tai languages.
Description: Comparative Kadai defines the linguistic range of an immense, interrelated, and varied area extending from eastern India to southern China and includes the southeast Asian peninsula. This area is comprised of many millions of people with histories, languages, and traditions largely unknown to the Westerner. Powerfully interesting economic, political, and social forces are emerging in the countries of this part of the world.

Of particular interest from a linguist's point of view are the characteristics of this huge area, what research has been completed, and what further work needs to be done. In the past it has generally been assumed that Tai is a part of a grand Sino-Tibetan family, but inevitably questions have arisen: What languages are involved, how diverse are they, and how are the language families interrelated?
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and indexes.