ABSTRACT
The method of internal reconstruction is designed for reconstructing earlier forms from data within one language, often itself a reconstructed language. The method is based on recognition of the multilevel structure of language. Change may take place in any one level, for example the phonological, leaving irregular patterns in another, for example the morphological. By examining the irregularities in contrast with the regular patterns, we reconstruct earlier forms. Before examining its use for reconstructed languages, we provide illustrations that can be verified; for example, the phenomena treated by Grassmann’s law.
