Explanation
A supposed first or common language from which other languages are believed to have emerged historically, religiously, or mythically. It gathers linguistic diversity into an image of origin and moves thought between scholarly reconstruction and cultural myth.
Example
A narrative explains all present languages as the dispersal of a lost common tongue.
Counterexample
Merely mentioning “Primordial language” without the described function is not a sufficient example.
Distinction
A reconstructed proto-language is a scholarly hypothesis for a language family; a primordial language may claim a universal or mythical origin.
Effect on thought and perception
It gathers linguistic diversity into an image of origin and moves thought between scholarly reconstruction and cultural myth.
Resonance
In the atlas, Primordial language closes 1 previously unresolved reference line(s) and opens controlled paths of thought.
Etymology
Technical core term; individual etymological review pending
Provenance
ATLAS 241 residual-case triage → profile candidate 241-C → source and neighbourhood cross-check → ATLAS 244
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Primordial language“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-244-024. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-244-024The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.