Reconstruction of The Proto-Language of Baranusa-Kedang-Lamaholot in Eastern Indonesia

Abstract

This paper aims to reconstruct the proto-language of Baranusa spoken in North West of Pantar, Kedang spoken in East Lembata and Lamaholot spoken in East Flores. From previous research, the three languages have been proven to be closely related according to its lexicostatistic analysis. However, this conclusion still needs further explanation in order to prove the relation of the three languages qualitatively. Proto-language reconstruction as part of qualitative analysis is done in this research by applying bottom-up reconstruction. The specific technique of diachronic study is used in order to formulate proto-language of Baranusa-Kedang-Lamaholot. The result shows a specific lexical and phonological characteristic of the proto-language as a part of Flores group.