Kam–Tai languages
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The term Kam–Tai always includes at least both Tai and Kam–Sui by definition, and can refer to:
- The entire Kra–Dai language family (as used by Chinese-speaking scholars)
- Most Kra–Dai branches, but typically excluding Kra and Hlai (in most Western classifications, and also the definition used in this article)
- A core Kra–Dai group that includes all Kra–Dai languages except for Biao and Lakkia (Norquest 2021)
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History of classification
In Western scholarship, a Kam–Tai group consisting of Kam–Sui and Tai is accepted by Edmondson & Solnit (1988). Hansell (1988) considers Be to be a sister of the Tai branch based on shared vocabulary, and proposes a Be–Tai grouping within Kam–Tai. This classification is also followed by Norquest (2015).
However, Ostapirat (2005) and various other linguists do not make use of the Kam–Tai grouping.
Dispersal
Liang & Zhang (1996:18) estimate that the Kam-Sui, Tai, and Hlai branches had already formed by about 5,000 years B.P.