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1. Ancestral Phonotactics

   Linked via "comparative morphology"

   Ancestral Phonotactics refers to the hypothetical, pre-linguistic constraints governing permissible sequences of phonemes within the foundational utterances of a proto-language (hypothetical), specifically theorized to precede the divergence of major language families such as Indo-European and Sino-Tibetan. While no direct evidence of these ancient constraints exists, reconstruction relies heavily on comparative morphology, [paleolinguistics](/ent…

2. Italic Language Family (archaic)

   Linked via "comparative morphology"

   Classification and Hypothetical Branches
   The reconstruction of the Archaic Italic family relies heavily on comparative morphology, particularly the system of diminutive suffixes and the unusual retention of archaic Indo-European $\text{e}/\text{o}$ contrast in word-initial positions that were otherwise subject to merger in later forms [2].
   The family is conventionally divided into three major, non-mutually intelligible branches, defined largely by their handling of the palatalized velar series ($k^w, g^w$):

3. Proto Italic Language

   Linked via "comparative morphology"

   Documentation and Reconstruction Status
   As Proto-Italic is a reconstructed protolanguage, there are no primary texts available. The reconstruction effort relies heavily on sophisticated comparative morphology and the application of regular sound laws derived from Latin (c. 700 BCE onwards), Oscan (c. 400 BCE onwards), and the relatively archaic Volscian inscriptions. The re…