Exploring Sound Change and Language Kinship: A Literature Study from The Perspective of Historical and Comparative Linguistics

Abstract

Research on sound change, language kinship, and protolanguage reconstruction in Indonesia remains limited, given the number of existing languages. The purpose of this study is to explore the results of studies published over the last 10 years (2015–2025) and to identify the application of theory and methodology, as well as their consequences. The PRISMA method employs multiple pertinent keywords for its search. Articles were retrieved from Sinta and Publish or Perish (POP). After screening and eligibility, 24 of 245 publications were selected for comprehensive analysis. The results indicate that sound change occurs regularly and has a pattern. The analysis of language kinship, based on lexicostatistical and glottochronological methods, reveals various levels of language grouping, from the language-family level to the macrophylum, with an estimated separation time of thousands of years. Numerous issues were identified in comprehending the theory and methodology, including inaccuracies in calculating the percentage of cognates that resulted in genealogical misclassification, errors in identifying cognate words and sound correspondences, reliance on unsuitable data sources, flawed transcription, and concerns regarding the validity of the separation time, all of which significantly impacted the interpretation of the research findings. For enhanced accuracy, it is advisable to employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches and to consider external factors, such as migration, language contact, and geography. This study is expected to enhance Indonesian historical and comparative linguistic studies and elucidate the evolution of language kinship.