El protomixteco y sus descendientes

Abstract

This paper presents a new reconstruction of proto-Mixtec, based on lexical material from 20 towns representing different varieties of Mixtec. We propose a phonological system for proto-Mixtec and a series of 16 ordered rules which represents the historical development of the modern varieties. The rules are grouped into 4 stages, each of which consists, in general, of various related phonological processes. The analysis reveals a process of linguistic change which makes subclassifications of the varieties difficult. due to the effects of overlapping spheres of innovation. Axes of influence vary from one linguistic change to another; the Mixtec centers change their alliances, continue in contact, or renew contact after periods of separation. Thus the results of innovations in certain important centers are found diffused to other allied centers. This paper attempts to define these spheres of influence in linguistic terms and to identify the innovating centers. A series of maps recapitulates the development of the dialect areas. Appendix I presents 45 reconstructed forms for proto-Mixtec with, the cognate sets which support them. Appendix II shows the distributional isoglosses which corresponded to the sequence of phonological changes proposed.