An essay on the origin of language, based on modern researches, and especially on the works of M. Renan

CHAPTER X.

Chapter 1095 wordsPublic domain

ARE THERE ANY PROOFS OF A SINGLE PRIMITIVE LANGUAGE?

Immense number of languages dead as well as living.--Three irreducible families.--Arguments in favour of an original language.--1. All may be derived (not from each other, but) from some lost language.--Objections.--2. Supposed affinities between different families, i. Non-Sanskritic elements in Celtic. ii. Possible reduction of the triliteral Semitic roots.--Objections.--3. Languages apparently anomalous.--Egyptian, Berber, &c.--How they may possibly be accounted for.--Inference.--Apparent successions of races.--1. The inferior races.--2. The semi-civilised.--3. The great noble races. 203