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Altaic

Altaic

9.9
A group of languages from Central and East Asia that some language experts think are related
  • noun
  • /ælˈteɪɪk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : familia altaica
  • Linguists once considered Turkish, Mongolian, and Manchu to belong to the Altaic language family.

Examples

  • Debate continues about whether Altaic should be classified as a true language family or an area of convergence.

  • She specializes in the study of Altaic languages and their historical development.

  • The Altaic language family includes several diverse languages.

  • Many linguists study the Altaic languages for their historical significance.

  • Several linguists believe that the Altaic language family includes Turkish and Mongolian among its branches.

  • Many students are interested in learning about the Altaic languages and their unique features.

  • In his research paper, he discussed the historical connections between the Altaic languages and other language families.

Synonyms

Altaic language
vsAltaic
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of Asian languages including Turkic and Mongolian that some people think are related

is the hypothesized family grouping that includes those languages

Compounds

Altaic language
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of Asian languages including Turkic and Mongolian that some people think are related

Ural-Altaic
  • Archaic
9.9

An old idea that Finnish and Turkish belong to the same language group

Surface Forms

Altaic singular
Altaics plural

Morphology

Altaic = Altai (semi-transparent) = Altai + ic

The adjective 'Altaic' is transparently formed from the place name 'Altai' plus the productive suffix '-ic'.

Etymology

Altaic is named after the Altai Mountains, whose name may come from altan meaning 'gold' or 'golden'. Language experts use Altaic for a group of languages that some think are related and that come from that area.