protoLumerrian

protoLumerrian is the reconstructed proto-language of the Lumerrian language family, a hypothetical ancestral stage proposed by historical linguists to account for regular sound correspondences and shared grammar across related languages. The name reflects its status as an inferred common source rather than a directly attested written record.

Classification and basis: protoLumerrian is not directly attested. Its reconstruction relies on the comparative method, comparing attested Lumerrian languages to identify regular phonological and grammatical correspondences. The reconstruction is subject to revision as new data from related languages or dialects becomes available.

Phonology: Reconstructed features typically include a five-vowel system (a, e, i, o, u) and a set of consonants that covers a basic stop series (p, t, k) with nasals (m, n), liquids (l, r), and a small fricative inventory (commonly s and sometimes h). Some branches may preserve or develop additional phonetic distinctions, and there may have been final consonants and, in some cases, a glottal stop in older forms.

Grammar and typology: protoLumerrian is commonly described as having suffixal morphology with nominal case markers and affixes on verbs for tense, aspect, or agreement. The typical basic word order is thought to be subject–object–verb (SOV), with postpositions rather than prepositions. Over time, some daughter languages exhibit variation toward different orders or analytic tendencies.

Dating and reception: Scholars generally place protoLumerrian in the late Bronze Age, though dating is approximate and debated. The reconstruction serves as a framework for understanding lexical shifts and grammatical changes within the Lumerrian lineage.

See also: Lumerrian languages; Proto-languages; Comparative method.