protoJaponicspråk
Proto-Japonic, or protoJaponicspråk, is the reconstructed common ancestor of the Japonic language family, which includes Japanese and the Ryukyuan languages. Through comparative study, linguists identify regular sound correspondences and shared grammatical traits among its descendants to infer properties of the ancestor. The homeland and timing are debated, but most reconstructions place Proto-Japonic in the late Bronze Age to early Iron Age in or near western Japan, with continued discussion of broader regional contact.
Phonology and grammar: The reconstruction commonly posits a five-vowel system and a modest set of consonants,
Lexicon and syntax: Core vocabulary shows cognates with both Japanese and Ryukyuan across domains like kinship,
Dating and debate: Chronology estimates range from several centuries BCE to the early centuries CE. Debates
See also: Japanese language, Ryukyuan languages, Japonic language family, proto-language. References and further reading are found