This is the first of three pathbreaking volumes that will constitute a wide-ranging analytical guide to the world's approximately 5,000 languages. The volumes are written for both linguists and general readers, and this first volume in particular assumes no background in linguistics. A postscript prepared for this paperback edition takes research data to 1990. The book is illustrated with 21 maps.
Focusing on linguistic genetic classification, this book presents an accessible exploration of language evolution, distinguishing languages into families based on shared origins. The author illustrates this process using basic vocabulary comparisons and delves into the concept of "macro-families," which are often debated yet intriguing. Additionally, the text integrates insights from anthropology, archaeology, and human genetics, enriching the discussion around language development and its historical context.