The classification of the Tungusic languages

• Main Authors: Whaley, Lindsay J., Oskolskaya, Sofia
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Oxford University Press 2020
• Subjects: Evenki; Tungusic languages
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198804628.003.0007

This chapter surveys previous attempts to classify the genetic relationships among the Tungusic languages. The set of sound correspondences that can be employed in this classification is examined and it is argued that, if one assumes binary branching for a cladistic classification, there are three plausible classifications that result from the application of the classical comparative method. Next, a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of basic vocabulary is undertaken to determine whether that analysis provides any further evidence for which of the three classifications is preferred. The conclusion is that it does and that one of the best classifications of Tungusic places Manchu, Xibe, and Jurchen in a Southern Branch together with Udihe and Nanai complexes, and the Even-Evenki complex in a Northern Branch. Though our analysis does not exclude the most common classification in which the Manchuric branch separated first from all other Tungusic languages.