The comparative method derives its power by assembling comprehensive datasets for each language. Descriptions of the prosody and phonology for each language inform analyses of morphology and the lexicon, which in turn inform analyses of syntax and conversational styles. Information on prosodic structure in one language informs research on the prosody of the related languages and vice versa. The comparative method produces a cumulative research program in which each description contributes to a comprehensive description of language acquisition for each language within a family as well as across the languages within each branch of the language family.
the comparatiVe meThOd dERives itS pOWer by aSsembLing CompreHensiVe dAtasets fOR eaCh LaNguaGe. deScrIpTionS of thE proSody AnD pHOnoLogy foR EACh language inform ANaLyses of MOrphOlOgy And thE leXicON, wHich iN tuRn Inform aNalyseS of SynTaX And ConVerSaTionAL styleS. informatiOn on prOsodiC STRucture in onE LanGuaGE infOrMs reSEarCh On tHe prosody of ThE ReLated lAnGUAgEs AND viCe versa. thE compArative method pRoduceS a cUmUlativE REseArcH prograM In WhiCh eAch DescriPTion contRibUtes To A comPreHeNSive DescRIption Of LanguagE acqUisition for eacH lanGUagE within A faMily as well As ACRoss the LAnguages witHIn each bRanCh of ThE language faMiLY.