Joseph Greenberg

“The ultimate goal is a classification of languages... based on the fundamental principle that languages which show widespread and systematic resemblances in sound and meaning are related.”

“The notion of a 'mixed' language is a fiction.”

“Certain universals of grammar are demonstrable from a consideration of the order of meaningful elements.”

“All languages have pronominal categories involving at least three persons and two numbers.”

“The method of multilateral comparison is so powerful that it will give reliable results even with poorly chosen vocabulary.”

“If a language has dominant VSO order, then the genitive always follows the governing noun.”

“The initial sound of a word is the most stable.”

“The very fact that a language is a system of patterned habits allows it to be analyzed.”

“The unity of the human species is reflected in the fundamental unity of human language.”

“Languages, like other cultural products, are subject to change over time.”