Genealogical classification

A genealogical classification of languages is a classification according to their development from common ancestors.

Comments

Until fairly recently, the synonymous term genetic classification was more common, but since about 1990 there is increaing interest in the match between linguistic genealogical classifications and biological genetic classifications. Such interdisciplinary studies are made easier if linguists shift to genealogical classification.

Synonym

• genetic classification

Origin

The term genealogical classification is an extension of the metaphor of a language family, like other terms such as ancestor language, daughter language, etc.

Related term

• genealogical linguistics

Other languages

German genealogische Klassifikation