#South Bahnaric

[gwendolynlerman]

Introduction to linguistics

Language relations

Language families

Just like living organisms, languages evolve, and the ones that come from the same ancestor (called “proto-language”) are part of the same language family. A language family can be subdivided into several subfamilies.

Comparative linguistics compares languages in order to establish their historical relatedness. This can be done by comparing their phonology, grammar, and vocabulary, even in cases where there are no written accounts of their ancestors.

The farther languages are from each other, the more difficult it can be to determine if there is a genetic relationship between them. For example, no linguist doubts that Spanish and Italian are related, but the existence of the Altaic family (which would include Turkish and Mongolian) is controversial and not accepted by all linguists. At present, it is simply impossible to know if all languages come from a common ancestor. If an original human language did exist, it would have been spoken tens of thousands of years ago. This makes comparisons extremely difficult or even impossible to perform.

Linguists have identified more than a hundred primary language families, i.e., language families that are not known to be related to each other. Some of them include only a few languages, others more than a thousand. Here are some of the main language families of the world:

Afro-Asiatic (Middle East, North Africa): Amazigh languages (Kabyle, Tamasheq, Zenaga...), Chadic languages (Hausa, Musgu, Tumak...), Cushitic languages (Beja, Oromo, Somali...), Omotic languages (Chara, Hozo, Nayi...), and Semitic languages (Amharic, Arabic, Hebrew...).

Altaic* (Turkey to Siberia): Mongolic languages (Dagur, Khamnigan, Shira Yugur...), Tungusic languages (Manchu, Oroch, Solon...), and Turkic languages (Turkish, Uyghur, Yakut...).

Austroasiatic (southeastern Asia): Aslian languages (Cheq Wong, Mah Meri, Semai...), Bahnaric languages (Alak, Laveh, Sedang...), Katuic languages (Kuy, Pacoh, Ta’Oi...), Khasi-Palaungic languages (Kiorr, Riang, War...), Khmer, Khmuic languages (O’du, Mlabri, Theen...), Mangic languages (Bolyu, Bugan, and Mang), Monic languages (Mon Rao, Mon Ro, Nyah Kur...), Munda languages (Juray, Kharia, Korku...), Nicobarese languages (Car, Nancowry, Teressa...), Pearic languages (Kasong, Somray, Suoi...), and Vietic languages (Cuói, Maleng, Vietnamese...).

Austronesian (southeastern Asia, Taiwan, Pacific, Madagascar): Atayalic languages (Atayal and Seediq), Bunun, East Formosan languages (Kavalan, Nataoran, Siraya...), Malayo-Polynesian languages (Chamorro, Javanese, Sundanese...), Northwest Foromosan languages (Pazeh, Saisiyat, and Thao), Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Tsouic languages (Kanakanabu, Saaroa, and Tsou), and Western Plains languages (Babuza, Hoanya, Taokas....).

Dravidian (south India): Central Dravidian languages (Dhurwa, Kolami, Naiki...), North Dravidian languages (Brahui, Kurukh, and Malto), South-Central Dravidian languages (Chenchu, Gondi, Pengo...), and South Dravidian languages (Badaga, Malayalam, Tulu...).

Indo-European (Europe to India, nowadays all the continents): Albanian, Armenian, Balto-Slavic languages (Latvian, Polish, Russian...), Celtic languages (Breton, Irish, Scottish Gaelic...), Germanic languages (Danish, English, German...), Greek, Indo-Iranian languages (Bengali, Kamkata-vari, Kurdish...), and Italic languages (French, Italian, Portuguese...).

Kartvelian languages (South Caucasus): Georgian-Zan languages (Georgian, Laz, and Mingrelian) and Svan. 

Kra-Dai (southeastern Asia): Be, Biao, Hlai languages (Cun, Qi, Run...), Kam-Sui languages (Mak, Mulam, Then...), Kra languages (Lachi, Laha, Qabiao...), Lakkia, and Tai languages (Bouyei, Lao, Shan...).

Na-Dene (North America): Tlingit and Athabaskan-Eyak languages (Ahtna, Hupa, Navajo...).

Niger-Congo (Sub-Saharan Africa): Atlantic-Congo languages (Bariba, Lingala, Yoruba...), Bangime, Dogon languages (Dogul, Jam Sai, Tebul...), Ijaw languages (Izon, Kalabari, Oruma...), Katla languages (Domorik and Kaalak), Mande languages (Goo, Loma, Soninke...), Rashad languages (Tagoi and Tegali), Siamou, Talodi-Heiban languages (Logol, Moro, Tocho...).

Northeast Caucasian languages (Caucasus): Avar-Andic languages (Andi, Avar, Bagvalal...), Dargic languages (Chirag, Itsari, Kajtak...), Khinalug, Lak, Lezgic languages (Aghul, Archi, Rutul...), Nakh languages (Bats, Chechen, and Ingush), and Tsezic languages (Bezhta, Hinukh, Khwarshi...).

Northwest Caucasian languages (northwestern Caucasus): Abazgi languages (Abaza and Abkhaz) and Circassian languages (Adyghe and Kabardian).

Sino-Tibetan (Asia): Bai, Bodo-Garo languages (Atong, Bodo, Megam...), Jingpho-Luish languages (Ganan, Jingpho, Sak...), Karenic languages (Pa’o, Pwo, Sgaw...), Kuki-Chin languages (Falam, Mro, Thaiphum...), Lolo-Burmese languages (Gong, Mru, Naxi...), Meitei, Sinitic languages (Caijia, Hokkien, Taihu Wu...), Tamangic languages (Chantyal, Gurung, Kutang...), and Tibetic languages (Balti, Dzongkha, Sikkimese...).

Tupian (South America): Arikem languages (Arikem, Kabixiana, and Karitiâna), Awetï, Mawé, Monde languages (Aruáshi, Gavião do Jiparan, Suruí...), Mundurukú languages (Kuruáya and Munduruku), Puruborá-Ramarama languages (Karo, Puruborá, and Urumi), Tuparí languages (Makuráp, Mekéns, Tuparí...), Tupi-Guaraní languages (Guajá, Sirionó, Tapirapé...), and Yurúna languages (Jurúna, Maritsauá, and Xipaya).

Uralic (central, eastern, and northern Europe, northern Asia): Finno-Permic languages (Komi, Livonian, Ume Sámi...), Hungarian, Khanty, Mansi, and Samoyedic languages (Enets, Nganasan, Selkup...).

*Some linguistics claim that the similarities found between subfamilies are due to borrowings or chance and not due to a genetic connection between them.

I have chosen three languages from different branches as examples for each subfamily, but of course, in most cases, there are many more. Some languages have several names, so I have used the most common one.

Language isolates

A language isolate is a language that has not been proven to belong to a known language family. The best example is Basque, spoken in Spain and France. Even though it is surrounded by Indo-European languages, it is very different from them. Linguists have compared Basque and other languages spoken in Europe, the Caucasus, and even America, but no relationship has ever been demonstrated.

Korean is another well-known isolate, although some linguists have proposed a relationship with the Altaic languages or Japanese. Japanese itself is sometimes considered an isolate, but it is best described as belonging to the small Japonic family, which includes a few related languages such as Okinawan.

#langblr #lingblr

[fuckyeahhmmwhatever]

ethnic regions of the world(part 1)

Abazinia(Russia)-Abazins

Aceh(Indonesia)-Acehnese

Edo state(Nigeria)-Afemai

Assam(India)-Ahom, Chutiya

Dabou(Ivory Coast)-Adjoukrou

Gold Coast(Ghana)-Akan

Ambon Island(Indonesia)-Ambonese

Amharia(Ethiiopia)-Amhara

Akwa Ibom State(Nigeria)-Anaang

Apacheria (United States)-Apache

Kaduna State (South Sudan)-Atyap

Dagestan (Russia)-Avars, Dargins

Awadh (India)-Awadhis

Central Highlands (Vietnam)-Bahnar

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (China)-Bai

Bakossi Mountains (Cameroon)-Bakossi

Bali (Indonesia)-Balinese

Kabardino-Balkaria (Russia)-Balkars

Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan)-Balti

Cameroon (West and Northwest Regions)-Bamileke

West Region (Cameroon)-Bamum

South Kalimantan (Indonesia)-Banjarese

Bassaland (Liberia)-Bassa

Bashkortostan (Russia)-Bashkirs North Sumatra (Indonesia)-Batak

Plateau State(Nigeria)-Berom

Jakarta(Indonesia)-Betawis

Bicol Region(Philippines)-Bicolanos

Sarawak(Malaysia)-Bidayuh

Lake Fitri (Chad)-Bilala

Soccsksargen (Philippines)-Blaan

Bas-Uele (Democratic Republic of the Congo)-Boa

Bodoland (India)-Bodo

Guizhou (China)-Bouyei

Balochistan (Pakistan)-Brahuis

Brittany (France)-Bretons

Wamba Territory (Democratic Republic of the Congo)-Budus

South Sulawesi (Indonesia)-Buginese

Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan)-Burusho Buton (Indonesia)-Butonese

Mariana Islands (United States)-Chamorro

Chechnya (Russia)-Chechens

Chuuk Lagoon (Federated States of Micronesia)-Chuukese

Chuvashia (Russia)-Chuvash

Circassia (Russia)-Circassians

Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bangladesh)-Chakmas

Cornwall (United Kingdom)-Cornish

Corsica (France)-Corsicans

Cuyo Archipelago (Philippines)-Cuyunon

Kingdom of Dagbon (Ghana)-Dagombas

Damaraland (Namibia)-Damara

Deccan (South-Central India)-Deccani

Bandiagara Escarpment (Mali)-Dogon

Jammu Division (India)-Dogra

Gujarat(India)-Dubla, Gujarati

#history #geography #helena's hobbies

[vietnamtour-blog]

Top 7 Tourists Attractions to Visit in Vietnam

Top 7 Tourists Attractions to Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is usually well-known for its majestic natural beauty and has attracted many travelers from all over the world. Still, Vietnam’s significant feature also lies in its long history and ancient traditions existing in many historic attractions, old temples and fascinating museums.

Recently, The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in cooperation with Tourism Association of Vietnam have selected top 7 tourists attractions across Vietnam at Vietnam Travel Awards including the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or Cu Chi Tunnels. Let’s get an insight into these alluring destinations with our overview to gain a better understanding about Vietnam’s attractiveness.

1. Vietnamese Women’s Museum – Hanoi:

Vietnamese Women’s Museum, located on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi, was founded as a part of Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) in 1987. The museum is dedicated to Vietnamese women with its main purpose is to study, preserve and display historical and cultural relics of Vietnamese women. It is also a cultural exchange center for Vietnamese and international women to enhance and promote gender equality, development and peace.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum (Source: Internet)

The museum is well-known for its large collection of more than 28,000 objects related to women including their daily items, jewels, women’s fashion & costume, etc. These objects have been collected by the museum and the VWU since 1970s from every woman across the country. Each of these items tells their story and reflects Vietnamese women’s role in society throughout Vietnam’s history.

Vietnamese Woman’s Museum has successfully attracted thousands of domestic and international visitors each year by organizing many special exhibitions to show changes and development of contemporary society through projects targeting many different groups, especially vulnerable women and disadvantaged children.

2. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Hanoi:

Vietnam’s Museum of Ethnology displays a remarkable collection of anthropological artifacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities and its neighboring countries in South East Asia. Cultural costume, traditional textiles, handicrafts and tribal art are creatively presented with an impressive display of life size ethnic houses and everyday objects.

Traditional dress & textiles displayed in Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Source: Haute Culture Fashion)

The museum’s main mission is scientific research, collection, documentation, conservation, exhibition and preserving the cultural and historic heritage of Vietnamese ethnic groups. It is also operated to guide research, conservation, and technology that are specific to the work of an ethnographic museum.

Bahnar communal house in Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Source: Internet)

With 15, 000 artifacts, 42,000 films and color photos, 2190 positive films, 273 audio tapes, music, 373 video tapes and 25 CD-ROMs, the museum becomes an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors to visit, study and experience Vietnamese culture. In addition, among 25 most attractive museums in Asia in 2014, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology has been voted by TripAdvisor as the fourth captivating destination.

The communal house in Vietnam Museum of Ethnology also plays a crucial role in museum’s large exhibition. It is the largest and the most impressive architecture, presenting power and talent of the community. Traditionally, it was used for collective rituals, social and ceremonial activities.

3. The Imperial City – Hue:

Sitting on the banks of poetic Huong River, Hue Imperial City is a walled palace belonging to the complex of Hue monuments recognized by UNESCO as the World Cultural Heritage. It includes Imperial Citadel, the Forbidden City and more than 100 majestic architecture in different areas with distinct functions.

The Imperial City – Hue (Source: Internet)

The preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values is regarded as an urgent need to protect and pass on to the next generation as Hue Imperial City is the epitome of artistic aesthetics, consciousness and the harmonization among nature, environment and human. Hue Imperial City with its dazzling beauty has successfully reminisced the ancient palace’s unique cultural and artistic activities.

4. Temple of Literature – Hanoi:

As Vietnam’s first university, Temple of Literature is Hanoi’s most well-known historical relics, carrying the essence of Vietnam’s history and preserving Vietnam’s traditional values. It is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. Inside, there are 116 steles of carved blue stone turtles to honor talent and encourage study. They are also the symbol of longevity and wisdom.

Temple of Literature – Hanoi (Source: Internet)

Temple of Literature is also a serendipitous destination as calligraphists will assemble outside the temple and write wishes in Han characters for Vietnamese students on every Vietnamese New Year celebration.

5. Cu Chi tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City

Located about 70 km northwest away from Ho Chi Minh City Centre, Cu Chi Tunnels are miniature battlefield and products of the army and the people of Cu Chi’s creativity in the long and fierce resistance war of 30 years against enemies’ invasion to gain independence and freedom for the country.

Inside Cu Chi Tunnels (Source: Internet)

Cu Chi Tunnels have become an evidence for the heroic history of Vietnamese and a legend of the 20th century. It is a unique battlefield with 250 km wide tunnel like spider webs in the ground. Inside the tunnels, there are different constructions such as trenches, ditches, and bunkers as living space with food storages, wells, kitchen Hoang Cam stove…

6. Valley of Love – Da Lat:

About 6km Northeast away from Da Lat City Centre, Valley of Love is one of the most poetic and lyrical sights attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year.

Valley of Love – Da Lat (Source: Kenh14)

Da Lat’s visitors often choose Valley of Love as a must-seen destination not only because of its romantic ambiance but also because of its natural landscape’s charming beauty.

With a total area of 140 hectares, this is a great place for camping, team building, etc. Visitors can also experience horse riding, pedalo, admire Da Lat’s beauty on a Jeep or spend time at the old railway station.

7. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi with a total area of 18,395ha, including an archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu and remaining relics like Doan Mon Gate, Kinh Thien Palace, D67 House, Hau Lau, Bac Mon, surrounding walls and 8 gates from Nguyen Dynasty.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi (Source: Internet)

This is a complex of architectural monuments built from different dynasties and became the most important relic in the system of Vietnam historical sites.

Throughout history, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has gone through many changes and deformation. But today visitors can still see the above and underground relics, archeological sites and artificial architectures.

Credit: The article aggregated from multiple sources.

Source: http://blog.evivatour.com/top-7-tourists-attractions-to-visit-in-vietnam/