NeoPunic

NeoPunic refers to a theoretical, hypothetical revival or modern interpretation of the Punic language, the ancient Semitic language spoken in Carthage and its territories. There is no evidence of a continuous lineage of Punic speakers that would constitute a living language today, and thus NeoPunic does not exist as a documented or practiced language.

The concept of NeoPunic arises in discussions about linguistic reconstruction and cultural revival. Scholars of ancient languages might engage in the theoretical exercise of reconstructing what a modern descendant of Punic might sound like, or how it could be adapted to modern contexts. This often involves applying principles of historical linguistics to the limited surviving evidence of Punic, which primarily consists of inscriptions, loanwords, and references in other ancient languages.

The study of NeoPunic, in this theoretical sense, is an academic pursuit rather than a linguistic reality. It helps to understand the evolution of Semitic languages and the cultural heritage of the Phoenician civilization. While there are modern enthusiasts who study and attempt to speak reconstructed forms of Punic, these efforts are not recognized as a continuation of the ancient language in the same way that living languages evolve. The term "NeoPunic" is therefore speculative and denotes a hypothetical linguistic entity.