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Glite Dictionary
Proto-Norse

Proto-Norse

9.9
The earliest form of the languages spoken in Scandinavia until about 700 AD
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : proto-nórdico
  • Linguists study Proto-Norse to understand the origins of Scandinavian languages.

Examples

  • Inscriptions in Proto-Norse can be found on ancient runestones across Sweden and Norway.

  • The transition from Proto-Norse to Old Norse was marked by significant phonological changes.

  • The transition from Proto-Norse to Old Norse was marked by significant phonological changes.

  • The Proto-Norse language evolved into several dialects.

  • Scholars study Proto-Norse to understand its development.

  • Inscriptions in Proto-Norse can be found on ancient runestones across Sweden and Norway.

  • Linguists study Proto-Norse to understand the origins of Scandinavian languages.

Synonyms

Proto-Norse language
vsProto-Norse
  • Specialized
9.9

An early form of the Scandinavian languages spoken before 700 AD

refers to the earliest stage whether or not records survive

Surface Forms

Proto-Norse singular
Proto-Norse languages plural

Morphology

Proto-Norse = Norse (transparent) = proto + Norse

The meaning is a straightforward combination of 'proto-' meaning earliest or original and 'Norse' referring to the North Germanic linguistic group.

Etymology

Proto-Norse comes from Proto- meaning 'first', as in prototype, and Norse for the people and language of Scandinavia, so it simply names the first form of the Norse language once spoken there.