Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic (pronunciation: /ˈproʊtoʊ dʒərˈmænɪk/) is the reconstructed proto-language of all the Germanic languages, including modern languages such as English, German, and Scandinavian languages.
Etymology
The term "Proto-Germanic" is a combination of the prefix "proto-", from the Ancient Greek word "prôtos" meaning "first", and "Germanic", referring to the group of languages spoken by the Germanic peoples.
Phonology
Proto-Germanic had a complex system of phonology that included several unique features, such as the Germanic umlaut and the Germanic strong verb system.
Grammar
The grammar of Proto-Germanic was highly inflected, with a system of grammatical cases and tenses similar to those found in other Indo-European languages.
Vocabulary
The vocabulary of Proto-Germanic is largely reconstructed from later Germanic languages, and includes many words related to agriculture, warfare, and social structure.
Related terms
- Proto-Indo-European: The reconstructed ancestor of all Indo-European languages, including Proto-Germanic.
- Gothic: The earliest attested Germanic language, providing key evidence for the reconstruction of Proto-Germanic.
- Old Norse: A North Germanic language, providing evidence for the development of Proto-Germanic into the Scandinavian languages.
- Old English: The earliest form of the English language, providing evidence for the development of Proto-Germanic into English.
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