ProtoItaloGermanic

Proto-Italic-Germanic is a hypothetical proto-language that is considered to be the ancestor of the Italic and Germanic language families. The classification of this proto-language is a subject of discussion among linguists and scholars, and different views exist on its relationship to other ancient languages.

Studies suggest that Proto-Italic-Germanic emerged in the 1st millennium BC, following the breakup of the larger Proto-Indo-European language. This gradual separation allowed for the development of distinct phonological, grammatical, and lexical features in the descendant languages.

While it is uncertain whether Proto-Italic-Germanic was a distinct language or a transitional stage between the two families, researchers have identified several commonalities. For instance, both Italic and Germanic languages underwent significant changes in their vowel systems, and they share similarities in their grammatical features, such as subjected-agreement sentence structures.

Several Isolate cognates have been identified among Italic and Germanic languages, suggesting a genetic connection that was erased by the divergence and development of the subsequent languages. Scholars often turn to Common Germanic and Latin for these cognates as well.

The majority of researchers postulate that Proto-Italic-Germanic separated into two branches around 1900 BC, the Italic branch, and the Germanic branch. Some contributors suggest an external hypo-theoretical pushback to around 2000 BC. However, this timeline is contingent upon greater clarification of the family relations.

Papers continue to explore the potential Proto-Italic-Germanic grammar and phonemics.