language reconstruction

Language reconstruction is the process used by linguists to infer the features of a lost or ancient language based on similarities among its descendant languages. When languages evolve, they often retain traces of their ancestry. By comparing vocabulary, grammar, and phonetics across related languages, scholars can piece together the characteristics of their common ancestor, even if it hasn't been directly recorded. This method helps us understand how languages develop over time and provides insights into the cultures that spoke them. Essentially, it's like solving a linguistic puzzle from the past.