Altaic

/æl.ˈteɪ.ɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a proposed language family including Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic languages, or to the geographic region.

Etymology

Named after the Altai Mountains region where these language groups are spoken; the '-ic' suffix indicates a relationship to that geographic and linguistic area.

Kelly Says

Linguists debate whether Altaic is a real language family or just a coincidence of similar sounds—it's one of those unsolved puzzles in language science that might take centuries more data to settle.

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