protolanguage
9.9
A very simple way of talking with sounds or gestures before full speech develops
- noun
- /ˈproʊtəˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
- Specialized
:
protolengua
- The study of protolanguage helps us understand how complex languages evolved over time.
Examples
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Some researchers argue that certain sounds and gestures resemble a type of protolanguage used by our ancestors.
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One more regression, she'll reach the protolanguage.
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Scientists believe that early humans communicated using a simple form of language known as protolanguage.
How Developed
Surface Forms
protolanguage singular
protolanguages plural
Morphology
Etymology
Protolanguage comes from proto- 'first', like in prototype, and language 'tongue'. A helpful way to remember this sense is to think of a child's or an animal's 'first tongue', the simple sounds and gestures used before full sentences.