Re: Polynesians and Formosans (was: Kaimanawa wall)

From: Qiwi (marym_at_pl.net)
Date: 09/08/04 

Date: 7 Sep 2004 22:57:03 -0700

benlizross <benlizro@ihug.co.nz> wrote in message news:<413CE130.7EEE@ihug.co.nz>...
> >
> Well, it may have emerged into your awareness then, but the relation of
> the Taiwan aboriginal languages to Malayo-Polynesian was recognized as
> early as the 1820s. >
> Ross Clark
The trouble is Ross if you are going to persist with using antiquated
terminology like 'Malayo-Polynesian' then I guess all kinds of tenuous
connections can be made....
Why use a term that is totally misleading and hints at a connection
which was demolished well over a century ago....
"Tested by every ethnological, and even linguistic method, the
Polynesians have no inheritance and no kindred in the Malayo-Javanese
race or culture" Abraham Fornander 1884.
I wont bore you with further quotes but clearly since the current
opinion seems to waver between Taiwan & the northern coast of New
Guinea I assume you also accept that Malaysia is no longer a
contender....
So why use the term 'Malayo-Polynesian' as if it actually signifies
something or are you afraid to contradict the demi-gods Cook & Banks??