A Lexical Functional Matrix Approach to Language Structure: Phonological Group Analysis and Linguistic Distance Modeling

This paper proposes a new framework for linguistic analysis that shifts the focus from traditional grammatical classification toward lexical evolution and diffusion. Conventional linguistics has primarily analyzed languages through parts-of-speech systems and syntactic structures. However, lexical development often crosses grammatical categories and reflects deeper historical processes of human migration, environmental adaptation, and cultural contact. The present study introduces three integrated analytical components: • A Lexical Functional Matrix, organizing vocabulary according to origin domains (body, nature, kinship) and derivational pathways (action, tool formation, social institutions).• A Phonological Group Analysis, treating sound correspondences as functional sound clusters rather than isolated phoneme changes.• A Linguistic Distance Index, modeling lexical divergence as a function of geographical and temporal separation. This framework interprets languages as dynamic networks of lexical cluster diffusion and reorganization rather than static grammatical systems. It provides a unified perspective for examining language contact zones, lexical blending, and large-scale language formation processes. The approach is particularly relevant for analyzing Northeast Asian language history but is applicable to language evolution studies worldwide. This work presents a theoretical foundation intended for further empirical application and cross-linguistic testing.