5 1462 comparative method geoff pullum raised question null hypothesis respect proto world longdistance relatedness would suggest lack progress dispute may due part conflict two ways setting null hypothesis priori terms evoutionary considerations long range relationships going back single ancestor expected point made numerous linguists discussion often print however methodological considerations force us set null hypothesis way since clearly disprove longdistance relatedness problem analogous medical disputes plenty researchers would like show homeopathy acupuncture etc benefit treatment illnesses effects claimed said scientifically respectable evidence homeopathy works please note purely methodological point nt want see linguist cluttered replies disputing homeopathic facts greenbergian dispute even less likely resolved disproving longdistance relatedness hypotheses homeopathic one since latter case one least controlled trials proposals controlling chance similarities always many variables involved greenbergian null hypothesis refuted steve matthews