On laryngealism

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This coursebook serves as a crucial refutation of the laryngeal theory of Proto-Indo-European (PIE) phonology, targeting both linguists and non-linguists, especially those interested in the history and logic of sciences. Each chapter includes exercises and an answer key. The first chapter outlines the methodology for synchronic and historical linguistics. The second chapter surveys major Indo-European languages and summarizes reconstructed PIE phonology. The third chapter traces the evolution of laryngeal theory from Saussure's initial ideas in 1878 to modern interpretations. The fourth chapter critiques two examples of laryngealist methodology: the reconstruction of the original PIE vowel system and the explanation of class-7 reduplicating verbs in Proto-Germanic, proposing alternative explanations. The fifth chapter examines Hittite evidence often cited in support of laryngealism, ultimately deeming it specious. The sixth chapter situates laryngeal theory within a broader context of erroneous scientific theories, such as phlogiston theory in chemistry, illustrating its role as a phase in the development of linguistic science. This comprehensive analysis spans 130 pages and was published in 2015.